Several people became U.S. citizens on Friday at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, where a lot of smiles were seen on the faces of those people, plus their friends and family.
Sixty people went through the ceremony, hailing from 22 countries, such as Liberia, Cuba, and Jamaica. Several said they have had great lives in the U.S., and look forward to more full participation as citizens.
Rosa Lopez is from Mexico, and had lived in the U.S. for many years.
“Whoever is a resident and they have already the power to become a citizen, they should go and do it. Don’t wait, don’t get discouraged, don’t listen to nobody, listen to your gut,” Lopez said.
Many people described nervousness, relief, excitement and joy. Several said they were determined to become citizens, and came away from the process with examples that persistence pays.
Having completed the requirements to become citizens, the oath ceremony was directed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency.
Such citizenship ceremonies happen a few times per year in Sioux City, as one was held for 25 people in May at the Mary J. Tregalia Community House.
