By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — People from 63 different countries became U.S. citizens on Wednesday during the largest naturalization ceremony ever held in the Rockford region.
The 335 new citizens took the oath of allegiance during a ceremony at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in downtown. It was the second time the Coronado hosted such a ceremony, and it marked a new record for the largest such event held by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois’ Western Division. In March, 245 people from 47 countries took the oath.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Margaret J. Schneider, who administered the oath, reminded the new citizens that while they renounced their allegiance to foreign governments, they should continue to celebrate the language, food, music and culture of their homelands.
“What you renounced in that oath is allegiance to the government of another land. You didn’t renounce the devotion you carry in your hearts for your native country, its people or its culture,” she said. “I hope you’ll preserve that always. I hope you’ll preserve your native heritage and culture because doing so enriches America and all of us living here.”
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That sentiment struck a chord with Annabelle Lopez, a native of the Philippines who has lived in the U.S. for about 10 years.
“Everything is still on me, but it’s just a different chapter,” she said. “It’s still me but a different world.”
The mother of two daughters, ages 7 and 5, lives in Carey with her husband and works at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. She’s also a nursing student.
She said her mom’s side of the family came to the country more than 30 years ago, and it was their wish she would follow. She said Wednesday’s ceremony was an emotional end to that journey.
“It’s overwhelming but it feels amazing,” she said. “I’m proud of myself.”
People who go through the naturalization process are examined by citizenship and immigration services officers before taking the oath. They must have been a permanent resident for three to five years depending on certain variables and pass a civics test, among other steps.
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Christian Vazquez of Marengo, a native of Toluca, Mexico, who was brought here by his parents more than 30 years ago, said he thought about his four kids and his wife while taking the oath.
“I got emotional,” he said. “Your parents work hard to get you hear, and now it’s your turn to give to your family.”
He said his permanent residency was set to expire soon, and obtaining his citizenship made things like travel easier. It also allows him to get more involved in his community through things like jury duty and voting, he said. His brothers are also citizens, and he helped sponsor his parents citizenship a few months ago.
Rodrigo Martinez Ramirez, who is also a native of Mexico, came to this country at age 18. He lived here for 19 years before obtaining citizenship Wednesday.
“More than half my life is here,” he said.
Ramirez, who lives in Malta with his U.S.-born wife and three kids, runs a food truck and restaurant there.
He said it was difficult for him to articulate the joy he was feeling Wednesday.
“I have too many ideas,” he said. “But I’m so happy.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.