Thirty seven people from 23 different countries completed the final step to become United States citizens Thursday at Onondaga Community College. They recited the Oath of Allegiance as delivered by Judge Michael Hanuszczak.
"I will support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law, or that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by law, and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God."
One of those taking the oath was 18-year-old OCC student Khoa Nguyen from Vietnam. He said getting to this point was an easy but lengthy process.
“You just hand in the paper, and then they ask you to take the fingerprint. After that, you just take the test. It’s very simple, but it takes a long time.”
Coming to the U.S. in 2010 at the age of 12, Nguyen said now it should be easier to take overseas trips.
“I mean I can travel around, and what I worry about is… if something happens, I feel safer I guess.”
Munia Ramiz is a 20-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh who has also waited for almost six years to become a United States citizen. Now that it’s official, she’s glad to have the freedom to be an American.
“Now I can vote. I can give my own opinion. I’m not illegal to live here. That’s the main point.”
Many new citizens came unaware of how to read, write or even speak English. People like literacy pioneer Ruth Colvin have helped immigrants and others learn English. She’s visited 62 countries over the decades and has been in their shoes.
“I know what it’s like not to be able to read or write or speak in another language because when I visit another country, I couldn’t do that. I was thankful to the people. You were all hospitable to us. We hope all the people here will be hospitable to you and to help you.”
Officials at the ceremony paid special tribute to Colvin, who will turn 100 years old next month.
