Lily Tang Williams: From Chinese Immigrant to Defender of American Ideals

Lily Tang Williams

Lily Tang Williams, a former Chinese citizen who immigrated to the United States in 1988, has shared her journey from life under communism to becoming a naturalized American citizen. With a deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities in the U.S., Williams has dedicated her life to preserving the ideals that drew her to this "exceptional country."

A Journey to Freedom

Williams arrived in Austin, Texas, on May 11, 1988, leaving behind the constraints of China’s communist regime. After six years of hard work and integration into American society, she became a U.S. citizen on November 18, 1994, at a naturalization ceremony held at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado. Her husband, demonstrating unwavering support, drove over two hours from their then-home in Wyoming to be present as she pledged allegiance to the American flag.

“I gave up my Chinese citizenship because I love this country and chose to be an American,” Williams stated in a recent social media post.

A Mission to Preserve the American Dream

Now running for Congress, Williams is focused on safeguarding the American Dream for future generations. She emphasizes the importance of the freedoms and values that inspired her journey to the U.S., such as free speech and individual liberty.

For the past seven years, Williams has been actively warning against the dangers of communism as a speaker for the organization Victims of Communism. In 2019, she faced online threats from trolls linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), warning her to “shut up or become a wanted criminal in China.” Williams refused to be silenced, saying, “I truly believe I have free speech in this country and our state motto: LIVE FREE OR DIE.”

Advocacy Through Film and Public Engagement

Williams has also shared her story in The Great Awakening, a documentary that explores issues of freedom, governance, and societal change. She encourages others to learn from her experiences and recognize the value of the liberties that many Americans might take for granted.

Running for Congress

As a Congressional candidate, Lily Tang Williams aims to bring her unique perspective and passion for preserving American ideals to the political arena. Her campaign focuses on ensuring that the freedoms and opportunities she found in the U.S. remain intact for future generations.

“My life’s mission is to protect the values that brought me here and to ensure that the American Dream stays alive,” Williams stated.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of freedom and the enduring promise of the American Dream.

 

I arrived in Austin, TX on May 11, 1988, from China.

I became a naturalized citizen on Nov. 18, 1994, near 30 years ago. I was sworn in the US District Court for the State of Colorado.

My husband drove me over 2 hours from Wyoming where we lived that time to show up at the… pic.twitter.com/zhoSp49Qhz

— Lily Tang Williams (@Lily4Liberty) September 2, 2024