CHICAGO — While local immigrant communities are on guard because of ICE threats, many are also celebrating becoming new American citizens.
Friday’s naturalization ceremony marked a huge milestone for 50 people celebrating their new U.S. citizenship .
The new citizens sworn in at Instituto del Progreso Latino come from 24 countries. They were welcomed by community leaders, including Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who shared the hope and fear he remembers feeling when he immigrated from Mexico 60 years ago.
Garcia also spoke about his passion to continue fighting for and protecting immigrants rights.
Federal judge Deborah Thorne presided over the oath of citizenship, asking the new citizens to fully embrace America — but to never forget their home countries.
“It feels amazing. It feels right. It’s been a long process, but it’s definitely all worth it. A lot of hard work went into it, a lot of documentation, multiple phone calls with lawyers. But throughout the process, every person that I’ve met has been extremely helpful,” said new U.S. citizen, Samhita Gottipolu.
“Due to this political climate I think it’s important to have all of our paperwork in check. It’s been 10 years in the making. I came into the country with my parents with an L-2 and eventually we progressed into a green card,” said new U.S. citizen, Elizabeth Cisneros.
From January to August of this year, Northern District of Illinois judges presided over 226 ceremonies, where 22,765 people were sworn in as new United States citizens.
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