When I was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, I had the opportunity to legally change my name. I could have become Devon Jones or Devon England or even Devon Avenue. The government helpfully allows this in case people want to Americanize their foreign-sounding surnames; thus Adamopoulus becomes Adams and Crummelsky becomes Smith.
It's the ultimate chance for reinvention. A new start, in a new country, with a new name. This opportunity for reinvention is at the core of the American dream. Anyone can become anything, achieve anything, rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness. Or at least become a reality TV star.
