Dear Sir,

On a recent visit last week for my aunt’s funeral, I noticed a lot of “Bermudians” in the resident line that surely did not look like Bermudians; more like foreigners. Which made me question my own status.

When I approached, I was asked my purpose of business and responded “not business but here to see my family and attend a funeral”.

In my mind and heart, I am Bermudian. My dad is Bermudian, yet I was born in the United States. I’ve spent all my summers there as a child until about the age of 12 or 13 and try to return whenever I can (work often wins). So I felt a bit taken aback to see folks that more than likely didn’t have those deep roots that run in me, yet, for whatever the reason, they are in that “other line”. Yet I can’t apply for status.

Now once I am on the island, I hear and see the people marching for immigration reform/PRCs.

I understand both sides but selfishly I am praying for a break in immigration law that would allow an adult such as me to receive my status — even if provisional — something that would validate the part of me that calls Bermuda home. I feel more love on that little rock than I do in the US and would love to officially be recognised as belonging to your island.

I have a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece and a cousin to many that live there.

I do hope you guys get to a happy place with immigration reform, where people on both sides are satisfied.

It is a beautiful island; its people I call my own. To me, Bermuda is home.

BEVERLY TILLMAN (NÉE BATTERSBEE), Tampa, Florida