It was an emotional and exciting day in Springfield for more than 100 people and their families as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed new U.S. citizens.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – It was an emotional and exciting day in Springfield for more than 100 people and their families as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed new U.S. citizens.
176 new US citizens were celebrated in Springfield from Brazil, India, Jordan, and 52 other countries.
This ceremony is a dream come true for many here at the Springfield Amory. This historic site has new meaning for these new U.S. citizens who have been working towards this moment for years just to hear these very words, “You are now American citizens! You have taken the oath of allegiance. Congratulations!”
Those 5 words bringing tears to peoples eyes, smiles to loved ones’ faces, and a sigh of relief to those who have been waiting for this moment for 20 plus years.
“We were honored and very emotional because we were waiting for this for 29 or 28 years,” said Miriam and Jacob Gonzaga of Brazil. The journey to citizenship is a long one, between the application process and studying history it can actually take years. Making this moment so emotional and meaningful to the nearly 200 people receiving the oath of citizenship on Thursday morning.
Biju Nelakandan of India, is excited to be able to vote in November. But most importantly he now gets to see his family and travel the world..after having spent 20 years in the United States.
“It’s a dream actually. You know staying in this country forever is a dream right? For everyone!,” said Nelakandan. “I’m going to travel around the world with my new passport and that’s that’s one of the biggest advantage for me.”
Zee Haddad, a professor in the Engineering department at STCC, went through this process 34 years ago. It took him 11 years to go through this process after moving here from Jordan.
Thousands will be naturalized this week throughout the country at ceremonies like this one
in celebration of Citizenship Day and Constitution Week.
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