FREDERICK, MD – The first in a three-part series, NBC 25 takes us into the life of a local immigrant who became a model U.S. citizen after surviving a revolution in his home country of Hungary.

Robert Toth, a Frederick resident, left Hungary in 1956, at the height of the Hungarian Revolution.  Amidst the violence, his family was forced to flee on foot to the Austrian border, leaving everything behind.

Toth, said, “We were getting away from something terrible, and perhaps somehow getting to something good.”

Even though those days were a long time ago, Toth says they're still a vivid memory.

Now, he's an immigration lawyer working in Frederick, helping other immigrants become citizens and adjust to American culture.

In some ways, he says the process is even more difficult today, in the post 9/11 world where immigration laws have tightened.  Those who come here legally can have a tough road, and are often held to a higher standard.

Toth said, “I think we Americans tend to think that immigration is somehow easy.   It is very difficult, sometimes very expensive.”

He also believes aspiring Americans must recognize citizenship is a privilege.

”I think immigrants have the responsibility to be gracious guests,” added Toth.