Becoming an American the Right Way: Nica’s Powerful Story - Episode 14

This week on GenZ Unplugged, we sit down with Nica Marin, Events & Marketing Officer at the Luce Center, who just became an American citizen—only days before this conversation. Nica opens up about her family’s escape from the horrors of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge, the long and costly 14-year immigration process, and what it felt like to finally step into her American dream.

She also shares her perspective on illegal immigration, why gratitude shapes her outlook, and how opportunity, freedom, and responsibility define what it means to her to be an American. This is a story of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of liberty.

00:00 – Welcome to GenZ Unplugged & introduction of Nica Marin

01:00 – Nica’s family history: surviving Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime

04:30 – Forced labor, persecution, and survival through resilience

07:30 – How Nica’s grandfather paved the way for her family’s U.S. immigration

10:00 – Growing up in Cambodia’s schools vs. dreams of American education

15:00 – The 14-year wait: preparing for life in America as a child

18:00 – Receiving the long-awaited news of moving to the U.S.

20:30 – First impressions of America: California, Texas, and culture shock

24:00 – The meaning of citizenship & reflections on illegal immigration

29:00 – Why following the law matters and the cost of doing it the right way

33:00 – Finding opportunity in America: entrepreneurship and graphic design

36:00 – Challenges of being a conservative voice in liberal spaces

39:00 – Becoming an American citizen: gratitude, patriotism, and hope for the future

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. 

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