Watch Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip

Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip is an intriguing and informative documentary movie directed by Alexandra Pelosi. Released in 2011, the film chronicles a 50-state journey taken by the director and her team as they explore and experience first hand the process of immigration, naturalization, and the feeling of becoming a citizen of the United States of America.

The film is informative, as it provides an in-depth look at what this citizenship means to immigrants, both legal and illegal. It captures various interviews of individuals, including prominent politicians and immigrant groups’ representatives, sharing their thoughts, experiences, and struggles with their citizenship status. The movie also analyses the various aspects of the citizenship process and the impact on families, communities, and the country.

In Citizen U.S.A., Alexandra Pelosi takes on the job of informing the viewers about the nuances of the citizenship process. She interviews the most passionate people about the immigration issue, which includes immigration lawyers, immigration advocates, open-borders politicians, and disillusioned refugees. The film is a result of a 50-state tour, conducted to examine the administration of the citizenship process, how to become a citizen, and the benefits and importance of citizenship.

To make her documentary, Pelosi followed some of the many immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, including refugees from Iraq, the Congo, and Haiti, who go through a rigorous naturalization process, including taking a test on American history and government. Pelosi interviews those who are just starting out, as well as those who have been granted citizenship, and the difficulties they experience to make this powerful accomplishment.

Throughout the film, viewers get a comprehensive understanding of the process, along with the contrasts between states, and how the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act plays an integral part in the dreamers' journey to citizenship. Some of the most interesting parts of the movie come from interviews with immigrants and their families. They give viewers an insight into the immense sense of gratitude they feel when gaining U.S. citizenship and the joy of finally belonging.

Another significant aspect of the movie is American values, shown through various naturalization ceremonies, such as one in which 25,000 people became U.S. citizens. Pelosi captures the emotion of the moment — the tears and laughter, the pride, and the sense of hope — that accompany gaining citizenship. Beyond this, the documentary emphasizes the importance of civic participation and voting that comes with citizenship. Pelosi highlights the fact that being an American should come with a sense of duty, which includes actively participating in politics.

The themes of Citizen U.S.A. are relevant today, as they were when the movie was released a decade ago. The country is still dealing with complicated immigration issues, and the process of becoming an American citizen still remains rigorous. The documentary provides a beautiful snapshot of the immigrant experience and their journey to citizenship.

The cinematography done by Alexandra Pelosi's team is beautiful as well. Being a 50-state tour, the documentary showcases the country's various landscapes and backgrounds, adding to its charm. Whether it is the sun-kissed California, the mountains of Wyoming, or the bustling cities of New York and Chicago, the film puts the spotlight on the diversity of America.

Overall, Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip is an essential documentary for anyone wanting to learn more about the process of citizenship in America, the lives, and struggles of immigrants, and their contributions to the country's development. Pelosi shows us that immigrants can overcome the legal and bureaucratic hurdles to becoming a U.S. citizen, and in doing so, they become part of a larger American family. The documentary is a celebration of the American dream, and a must-watch for those who believe in it.

Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.