Alina is Kalmyk American social worker living in Philadelphia, PA. Alina immigrated from the Kalmyk region of Russia to the U.S. for the promises of freedom, safety, and opportunity– a promise she sees as being under assault with Trump’s attempts to end birthright citizenship. Alina just received her green card this summer and she is the mother of a U.S.-born citizen daughter. Under the rules of Trump’s executive order, Alina’s daughter would not have been born a U.S. citizen.
What does home mean to you?
For me, it has always carried two distinct, deeply personal meanings. The first is tied to my birthplace—Elista, in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia—a place filled with the early memories that shaped my sense of identity. It’s the land where I grew up, a place I remember with warmth and nostalgia. But home is also something I built. It’s the life I’ve created in Philadelphia—a city that welcomed me, challenged me, and gave me love in return. It’s where I met my husband, gave birth to my children, and began a new chapter rooted in purpose and community. This second home, while worlds away from my first, is just as sacred. Because here, among the people I love, is where I truly feel whole.
What is your favorite thing about where you currently live?
There’s so much to love about Philadelphia. I first came to this city as a university student on a cultural exchange program—it was my introduction to the United States, and it left a lasting impression. Philadelphia has a unique character all its own: gritty yet beautiful, historically rich yet constantly evolving, and grounded in a strong sense of community.
It’s a city that feels laid-back and welcoming, with incredible food from every culture and endless options for entertainment. Despite its reputation for safety challenges, I love this city wholeheartedly and deeply. My American journey started here, and it has since become the foundation of my second home.
What brought you to the US?
I was born in Elista, Kalmykia in Russia. Like many of my fellow Russian citizens and members of the Kalmyk community, I came to the United States in search of safety and freedom. I wanted to live in a place where I could express my political beliefs without fear of persecution, and where my children could grow up in an environment free from ethnic tensions, prejudice, and hostility. The U.S. promised stability, dignity, and the opportunity to build a life rooted in respect and inclusion—values that are increasingly difficult to find.
Why do you care about birthright citizenship?
I care deeply about birthright citizenship because it represents safety, identity, and a true sense of belonging—especially for children born into a new homeland. Citizenship by birth is not just a legal designation—it’s a promise. A promise that every child born here can grow up with opportunity, dignity, and a sense of permanence. It’s what allows families like mine to plant roots and flourish, contributing to a community we love.
What do you think about Trump's attempts to end birthright citizenship? When you hear about Trump's behavior, how did you feel?
As a mother, a former refugee resettlement worker, and a proud member of Philadelphia’s immigrant community, I know what it means to seek safety, to rebuild from scratch, and to believe in the American promise. That promise includes birthright citizenship.
When President Trump pushed to end this constitutional right, it wasn’t just a policy change—it was a direct assault on the sense of home and belonging that families like mine have worked tirelessly to create.
When I heard about attempts to revoke this right, I felt fear—not just for my children, but for millions of others who deserve to grow up feeling secure, valued, and seen. I also felt frustration that something unsettling like that could happen in a country founded on the principles of justice and inclusion.
What are your hopes for your children's future?
I hope my children grow up knowing they belong. That they feel safe, valued, and confident in both their American identity and Kalmyk heritage. I want them to live without fear—of being excluded or misunderstood—and to believe they can achieve anything, not in spite of where they come from, but because of the strength it gives them.
Alina is a member of Sarin Gal, a working group fiscally sponsored by Asian Americans United, founded to promote intergenerational advocacy for the Kalmyk community in Philadelphia. To learn more, visit: https://www.saringal.org/.
*"Alina" is pseudonym used protect the interviewee's identity and ensure their safety.