Some people had waited a very long time for this moment. The moment they finally became a U.S. citizen! They may have studied English for many years just to pass either the oral or written exam, which most native-born citizens take for granted. It is a new beginning and one of the biggest days of their lives.
I noticed thousands of people forming long lines of traffic as I sat in my car looking for parking at the L.A. County Fairgrounds/Pomona Fairplex. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a U.S. Citizenship ceremony, which is also known as a Naturalization ceremony.
Even though I became a naturalized citizen six years ago in order to serve in the Peace Corps, today’s ceremony was still as emotional as it was my very first time and bought back some mixed feelings of happiness and uncertainty. I am sure the new naturalized citizens echo and shared similar feelings and emotions as they swore in for their citizenships.
For those of you who have not attended a Naturalization ceremony, allow me to share with you how it works. We started the ceremony with Oath of Allegiance, which was guided by the judge and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, there was a message by the President, Barack Obama! Unfortunately, it was a recorded speech and not in person. However, the message was clear and very touching. I started to drop some tears as I was watching the president talk on the big white movie size screen and I also noticed others in the audience wipe their tears from their cheeks too. I have to say, it was a great speech!
It seems that the highlight for most new citizens is when they swear in and sign their Naturalization certificates! It seems all their troubles wash away and they start over in the land of freedom, called America! Most importantly, they can VOTE! Since they can vote now, many fill out their registration form and passport application. The ceremony took less than two hours. At the ceremony there were post office staff and passport agency representatives available to provide answers to any questions or concerns that the new citizens may have in regards to passports and voter registration. I heard from one of the post office staff that there were about 7, 000 people in the building who received their naturalization certificate that day! The large room was filled with new citizens from Mexico, the Philippines, China, Vietnam and Korea, just to name a few.
I watched them wave the small size flags in their hands as they embarked on a new journey in America as U.S. citizens. Some shared the tears and joy with their friends and family whom were standing patiently outside and inside nears the ceremony area. To most of them, it was their first step towards achieving the American dream.
Congratulation to new citizens!
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