Over 700 people from 93 countries stood to take the oath of allegiance and received their certificate of naturalization surrounded by their friends and family at a naturalization ceremony Tuesday.
Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois led the ceremony at Wintrust Arena, reminding them to continue sharing their culture with other citizens.
Many people expressed their feelings about the citizenship process as they took photos with the American flag and picked up their certificate.
Adebimpe Adesipe, from Nigeria, said becoming a citizen has always been her dream.
“I’ve been in America for like 17 years. So, I’m really excited to be a citizen and also to bring my family and my son. I really miss them,” she said.
Richard Crawford, who is originally from the U.K., became a citizen after 30 years today.
“I would like to participate in the political process and serve on a jury if I’m called up,” Crawford said.
New citizens will be able to register to vote, be summoned for jury duty and be afforded all rights of U.S. citizenship.
Ashmit Pyakurel is originally from Nepal. He said his journey to citizenship has taken 15 years, which was difficult at times.
“[It] finally feels that I’m at the end. So, it feels amazing being able to vote now, being able to travel visa free,” he said.
Earning U.S. citizenship can take several months, and applicants must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years old; being able to read, write and speak basic English; and be of good moral character.
Applicants must also be a Green Card holder for five years, married to a U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident for three years, be a U.S. military service member or a child of a U.S. citizen.
Liz-Anne De Beauville Jones, from St. Lucia, said being a citizen makes it easier to be with her husband who is from the U.S. She said the process of naturalization was not easy.
“It is a very long process. It’s a very personal process as well. It could be pricy too depending on how you go about it,” she said. “So, we did have help, we did have our attorney, we asked all the questions … Every part of the process has been a blessing honestly. Yes, I’m grateful.”
Estefania Toledo is from Ecuador and said everyone in her family is a U.S. citizen.
“I want them to be part of that as well, and I think this is one of the best countries in the world,” she said. “You can have many opportunities to succeed.”
Naveen Cherischen, who is originally from India, has been in America for ten years.
“I’m feeling privileged right now and so happy,” Cherischen said.
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