CINCINNATI (WKRC) - 70 people from 38 different countries became American citizens on Friday. The naturalization ceremony is the last step in a long process to be part of the USA.
The voices of the St. Dominic’s school choir welcomed the crowd to the patriotic ceremony. It was held in Delhi Township, Hamilton County on Friday afternoon. The group stood up to say they want to become an American.
The Tchelidze brothers moved to the US from Georgia when they were 18 and 21 years old. They left a nation that’s seen decades of conflict with Russia – to them it was home. “I love both countries the country where I’m born I love both countries. I will go there every time. But I’m going to live here and I like this country.”
The 70 new citizens will have all privileges including the right to vote. Elizabeth Mira moved from the Philippines in 2011 to follow her children and their father. She says voting is a duty and honor. “I did that also in my country before so right now becoming a US citizen I have an obligation to US. So I have to do that you know when it comes time to voting.”
Guilia Bassan is also going to exercise her right to vote. She moved to Cincinnati from Italy when she was 5 years old with her parents and sister. Now at 22, becoming a citizen is very important. “Just because I grew up here. I’ve been here for the longest time, forever. I did all my schooling here. The only thing that was missing was that passport that validation that I am American.”
Guilia got a hug and double kiss from her Italian father and a photo with Judge Karen Litkovitz who presided over the ceremony.
“That I will support and defend. The Constitution and laws of the United States of America.” By reciting the Oath of Allegiance these 70 people from 38 different countries are now officially American. The first chance they’ll get to vote is in the May 8th primary election.
