From Local 3 News: It was a historic day in the Scenic City as more than 400 people became American citizens Wednesday morning at the Soldiers and
From Local 3 News: It was a historic day in the Scenic City as more than 400 people became American citizens Wednesday morning at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
Many tell Local 3 News they’ve been in the country for several decades waiting for the day they become a citizen.
“It’s been a long and patient road, but that’s what the American dream is built on right, it’s patience and hardwork and making fruit in the communities,” said Roy Gabriel, who became a citizen after being in America for seven years.
There are 10 steps to the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, including getting fingerprinted, interviewing with an immigration officer and taking english and civic tests.
“It’s very nerve wracking because of the questions, your past, just any little thing. It’s kind of like the inquisition, it’s kind of like going to see God on judgment day,” said Anthony Allen, who came to America from Jamaica in 1981.
“One thing that helped me a lot was my friends, I kind of tested with them and they learned along with me,” Gabriel.
Not everyone gets approved for citizenship the first time, like Allen and his wife Sonia, who are still waiting to be approved.
“I’ve tried before and I got denied many years ago,” said Allen. “It just happens and then you’re time will come. Just keep the hope alive. I have a lot of hope,” said Sonia Allen.
While some used their friends and family to help them prepare for their tests others used adult education and ESL programs, like the TCAT Adult Education.
“It’s amazing to see people like Glendy, who work so hard trying to better the lives of their families,” said Christine Celis who works for the TCAT Athens Adult Education program.
Many of the new U.S. citizens had their families and friends in the crowd cheering for them and waiting happily with signs, but for the Gabriels they walked across the stage as a family. All becoming citizens on the same day.
“It is so nice to actually have a moment where we’re all together as a family basically at this climax of this very long road and just get to spend it all together, it’s absolutely wonderful,” said Mark Gabriel.
They all shared with me what the first thing is they’re going to do now that they’re U.S. Citizens.
“I am going to try my best to go an see Jamaica,” said Allen. “Apply for my passport (and go to) Guatemala,” said Glendy Perez. “Celebrate with food, eat all together with all our friends, dance and start dream, the American dream,” said Micheline Gabriel.
You can find more information about the naturalization process online and also sign up for ESL classes.
