Nearly 50 people became American citizens at the Federal Courthouse in Downtown Gainesville Friday.
Those new American citizens travelled to the states from all over the globe – India, Jamaica, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia and South Sudan to name a select few.
People come to America in hopes to find a new life, freedoms and greater opportunities.
Danny Phen, orginally from Vietnam, said he felt accomplished after Friday’s ceremony.
“It means I can do something more bigger in life,” Phen said. “I want to travel. I want to do a lot more things. With this, it just gives me an opportunity to do it,” he said.
Honorable Judge J. Clay Fuller administered the Oath of Allegiance to each of the new citizens. The Oath solidifies the memorable moment as a time of positivity, celebration and an expansion of democracy.
Before being granted American citizenship, candidates must pass a series of questions, testing and provide proof of eligibility.
The newly marked citizens had an opportunity to change their name, were given a certificate and a chance to register to vote.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2019/5/793798/gainesville-federal-court-solidifies-american-citizenship-for-nearly-50-people-friday