Nearly 100 individuals from 33 countries were officially sworn in as American citizens Thursday morning at Mystic Seaport. The naturalization ceremony, held by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, marked the end of the long and arduous process.
Judge Janet C. Hall presided over the event, which was fittingly held on Flag Day, as friends and family cheered. The naturalized Americans were most excited to take advantage of the processes that the United States has to offer.
“To be able to participate in the voting process with the elections coming on makes you feel more a part of it,” said Carlos Estrella, who is originally from the Dominican Republic. “I am looking forward to that.”
Emotions ran high as the new citizens and their families joined in the Pledge of Allegiance and reached their goal of becoming naturalized.
“When I was young, I always dreamed about going to America, but it’s like a reality now,” said Sister Jessy Kunnathupothiyil, a Catholic nun previously from India.
“I am very excited, and I’m very happy, and very emotional,” said Elzbieta Federkiewicz, an immigrant from Poland. She arrived in the United States only four days before 9/11.
“I trust the country. This is a strong country,” said Federkiewicz.
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In addition to the Dominican Republic, India and Poland, other countries represented in the ceremony included Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Haiti, Mexico, and Pakistan, to name a few.
