State Legislators Honor House Staffer
By Emily Landis on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 |
Several state representatives took time today to honor their staffer, Press Secretary Gareth Evans, on his recent accomplishment of becoming an American citizen.
Evans moved from Zimbabwe to Indiana in October 2001 due to the political and economic unrest that had plagued the country. The land acquisition in Zimbabwe – orchestrated by President Robert Mugabe as a political scapegoat – caused a serious civil unrest amongst the nation.
“The decision to leave the country came shortly after the president announced that he was going to forcefully take over small businesses,” said Evans. “We were left no choice but to leave everything we had ever known and seek new opportunity in the United States.”
“Many Zimbabweans are dependent on support from relatives and friends abroad to keep food on the table and roofs over their heads while they are trying to reestablish themselves. We were very fortunate that my father’s parents had been living in the Indianapolis area since 1980. They were able to sponsor our petition for residency and ultimately help us to make the long journey.”
Evans has since attended Carmel High School and Purdue University. He is currently a member of the House Republican staff, where he works as a press secretary for the Media Department.
State Reps. Steve Davisson (R-Salem), Kathy Heuer (R-Columbia City), Eric Koch (R-Bedford), Dan Leonard (R-Huntington), Jerry Torr (R-Carmel), Matt Ubelhor (R-Bloomfield), Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) and Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) all work with Evans and co-authored the resolution.
“I have enjoyed being able to encourage Gareth as he gained his citizenship in the United States,” said Rep. Leonard. “He has been an asset to the Republican House, and a pleasure to work with.”
On November 18, 2011 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Evans took his Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, which was administrated by a federal court judge, making him a United States citizen.
“My two sisters and I are extremely fortunate to have parents that persevered with the immigration process,” said Evans. “They both understood the necessity and sacrifice they had to make so that we could have every opportunity.”
Evans’ parents, Des and Brenda, and younger sister, Stacey, were also present for the resolution. His older sister was unable to attend.
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