News from the State House

by State Representative Patti Ruff

On September 17th, I attended the Naturalization proceedings at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch. I had been asked to go and see the ceremony because my constituent, Jose Velarde, was one of the 69 becoming a United States citizen. If you ever get the chance to attend one of these proceedings, go. You will leave bursting with joyful, patriotic pride. On this day there were folks from 37 countries becoming Americans.
The Honorable Judge Jon S. Scoles, chief magistrate judge, US district court northern district, conducted the proceedings. He mentioned in his opening comments that this is his favorite proceedings to oversee. I could see why. The happiness and pride on the faces of those becoming Americans and of their family members were truly awe inspiring. What a sense of accomplishment because it is not an easy task to complete.
I looked into what the requirements are in becoming a naturalized citizen. First, you need be 18 years of age and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.  Then you fill out the application to start the naturalization process, submit passport style photos, and additional required documents. The applicant must be fingerprinted and have their background checked by the FBI.
Next is the interview conducted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. During the interview they ask questions about the application submitted, prove knowledge and understanding of the English language, and pass the civics test. If all is in order, and the applicant passes the required tests, they then have the okay to become a naturalized citizen and participate in the Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Once the oath is taken, these new Americans have the same rights, freedoms, and responsibilities as anyone who is born in the US. In all, the process can take from six months to a year to complete.
The 69 who took the oath once again prove that the US is a kaleidoscope of nationalities. People from Bosnia, Haiti, Albania, Togo, China, Russia, United Kingdom, Jordan, and Canada, to name a few, are now like you and I.  I kept picturing in my head the statue of liberty and all that she symbolizes for our country.  We are truly blessed and lucky to be Americans. Congratulations, Jose, and to all who now call this land home.