Immigrant’s Memoir ‘Citizen of the USA by Choice’ Chronicles Journey from Mexico to Architectural Success
The memoir details Juan Baires-Adair’s path from political disillusionment in Mexico to becoming a licensed architect in the U.S., highlighting immigrant resilience and merit-based achievement.
Juan Baires-Adair’s memoir, Citizen of the USA by Choice, offers a deeply personal account of one immigrant’s transformation from political disillusionment in Mexico to professional and civic fulfillment in the United States. The book, which has been featured at major literary events including The London Book Fair, the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the LA Times Festival of Books, and BookCon, underscores the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding identity and career in a new country.
The narrative begins in Mexico City, where Baires-Adair confronts systemic corruption, bureaucratic dysfunction, and professional setbacks as a draftsman working on ambitious infrastructure projects. His experiences expose the difficult choices faced by individuals striving for integrity within flawed systems, ultimately driving him to reconsider his future. The memoir then follows his migration to the United States, where perseverance and adaptability enable him to overcome educational interruptions and professional barriers to achieve his goal of becoming a licensed architect.
The book’s significance extends beyond one individual’s story. It serves as a voice for countless immigrants, shedding light on the risks, sacrifices, and aspirations that shape their journeys. By highlighting the dignity, determination, and contributions of those who choose to build new lives in pursuit of freedom and opportunity, the memoir offers a broader call to recognize the value of immigrants in American society. This message resonates at a time when immigration policy and integration remain contentious issues in national discourse.
Citizen of the USA by Choice made a notable appearance at The London Book Fair in March 2025, attracting around 30,000 attendees from the global publishing community. Later that year, from November 29 to December 7, it was featured by Citi of Books at the Guadalajara International Book Fair. In April 2026, the book was showcased at both the LA Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California and BookCon at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, further expanding its reach.
Citi of Books, the publisher, began as a small literary boutique in New Mexico and has since expanded to serve writers across the United States and Canada. The company emphasizes high-quality publishing services and aims to support diverse authors in achieving their publishing goals. Copies of the book are available through multiple retailers, including Citi of Books, AbeBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. Additional information is available on the book’s official website at citizenoftheusabychoice.com.
By chronicling Baires-Adair’s journey, the memoir provides a human-centered perspective on immigration that challenges stereotypes and underscores the potential for merit-based success in the United States. Its publication and promotion at major literary events reflect a growing interest in stories that explore the immigrant experience and its impact on American identity.