New Citizens to Enjoy New Rights following Flag Day Naturalization Ceremony

By Caroline Stauffer

The U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia welcomed 100 new citizens in a June 14 naturalization ceremony. The celebration, sponsored by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security, was appropriately celebrated on U.S. Flag Day in historic Colonial Williamsburg.

Eighteen of the new citizens were born in countries in Central and South America or the Caribbean. Thirty-two, the largest number from any country represented, were born in the Philippines.

The new citizens took the oath of allegiance outside on Courthouse Green and listened to a keynote address by General Anthony Zinni, retired U.S. Marine Corps General and former U.S. Peace Envoy in the Middle East.

As they collected certificates and exercised their new right to register to vote, the new citizens shared advice for lawful permanent residents in the area who are hoping to become citizens.

“Don’t do anything illegal,” said Kersima Workneh, simply. Workneh, born in Ethiopia, has lived in the United States for 10 years and recommends that lawful permanent residents apply for naturalization earlier than he did. He was motivated to begin the process by a looming rise in fees.

Other new citizens said naturalization is just a matter of having paperwork in order.“Just obey the rules and follow the process,” said Manuel Madera, originally from the Philippines. Madera said the most difficult part of the process was “just waiting for the paperwork to be processed.”

Billy Lactaen, also of the Philippines, mentioned paperwork as well when asked for advice to offer others who are going through the process. “Just make sure the forms are filled out properly,” he said, adding that he has friends who had their citizenship delayed by six months because of errors in paperwork.

After observing the final cannon salute and posing for pictures with proud friends and family, Eastern Virginia’s newest citizens were free to enjoy their new rights, ranging from obtaining a U.S. passport to sponsoring relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States to running for public office.

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