For those of you who were born US Citizens (like me), Naturalization is the official name for the process of becoming a US citizen. These are folks that came from somewhere lese and jumped through all the hoops and some of them waited in a really long line to get to the day of the ceremony.

The ceremony I attended is the final step for immigrants. Naturalization ceremonies can happen in different settings, but those in federal district courts are the most ceremonious.

Soon-to-be citizens swore an oath to, among other things, defend the US Constitution, take up arms in the US armed forces if called to do so, etc.

I had the distinct honor of being invited to sit in the jury box, while the soon-to-be-citizens sat in the area normally reserved for counsel tables and the well. So basically I was in front of them, off to the side (rather than behind them where their families were, in the gallery).

I can tell you now that there were few dry eyes and no knees on the floor during the oath-taking or pledge of allegiance. One old man, probably 60+ (no language proficiency requirement at that age) couldn't say anything but "thank you," but he said it a lot.

If you are a jus soli (birthright) citizen, I would strongly recommend attending a naturalization ceremony, if you get the chance. It's a good reminder that there are people who don't take citizenship and the rights they have for granted, maybe because they had to earn those rights, maybe because they've come from places that didn't recognize those rights, but they are all grateful to be here none-the-less.

As a naturalised citizen I wholeheartedly echo your sentiments.

Cheers

I worked with the Immigration & Customs Enforcement folks for 10 years. Obviously, I saw the worst side of the Immigration debate in those cases.

I also attended a few of the Naturalization ceremonies organized by the Citizenship & Immigration Services folks. And in those ceremonies, I saw the best side of the Immigration debate.

The breakers of the Law versus the followers of the Law; no question who I’d want in my Country.

I worked ten years ago with recently naturalized coworkers from Brazil, Lebanon, and Ukraine. They said very much the same things about the day they took their oath. To a person, they reset the Party of Klantifa giving away citizenship with no process or requirements attached.

It's the one thing that is NEVER talked about in this whole immigration debate. That there is in fact a legal way to enter this country and have full rights as a citizen.

These immigrants that are doing this the right way are the ones I have compassion for. They are overlooked and shoved aside for those who would just as soon sit on their ass and will most likely have it handed to them.

These so called dreamers should be halfway down the path to citizenship instead of waiting for it to come to them.

To me that's how they should be dealt with. If you have been here for years and have taken no steps to become naturalized on your own you really don't belong here.

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:
One old man, probably 60+

Huh?

A good friend and motorcycle riding buddy went through the process recently. He's a credit to this country and a great asset.

I was really pissed when I saw the facebook entry of his naturalization ceremony. I would have loved to be there.

One of the things he loves about this country is his 2A rights.

They would hold naturalization ceremonies at the Masonic temple in San Francisco every year. I worked nearby and would see them as they came out, newly dubbed U.S. citizens. I'd congratulate as many as I could before returning to work.

quote:

Originally posted by varoadking:

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:
One old man, probably 60+

Huh?

Yeah--he's still a kid....

flashguy

Last year my daughter-in-law was naturalized in Las Vegas. She was supposed to let us know when the ceremony was to be held so we could be there but she didn't think it was a really big deal and didn't tell us about the ceremony. I really wanted to be there but such is life. We love her dearly anyway. She is Chinese from Hong Kong.

I remember my naturalization ceremony

it is NOT something that I will ever forget

About 15 years ago our family went to DC and on our way back we stopped at Monticello to tour. They happened to be doing a naturalization ceremony that day. It was great and there was hardly a dry eye anywhere to be seen. I've always been a huge proponent for LEGAL immigration.

I attended my Fiance’s Ceremony last year and it was a VERY moving moment. It certainly gives one a new perspective on how you can love legal immigrants and be totally against illegal immigration.

My Fiance’ immigrated here exactly like my ancestors did so. She did it LEGALLY. She never took 1 penny of government aid, worked and paid every cent of her taxes. Why is it too much to ask for others to do the same?

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:

quote:

Originally posted by varoadking:

quote:

Originally posted by LDD:
One old man, probably 60+

Huh?

Yeah--he's still a kid....

flashguy

Ok, I deserved that.

And I'll work hard at being a "kid" for as long as I damn well can!

There's a big celebration at work whenever one of our workers get their citizenship.

quote:

Originally posted by lastmanstanding:
It's the one thing that is NEVER talked about in this whole immigration debate. That there is in fact a legal way to enter this country and have full rights as a citizen.

These immigrants that are doing this the right way are the ones I have compassion for. They are overlooked and shoved aside for those who would just as soon sit on their ass and will most likely have it handed to them.

These so called dreamers should be halfway down the path to citizenship instead of waiting for it to come to them.

To me that's how they should be dealt with. If you have been here for years and have taken no steps to become naturalized on your own you really don't belong here.

Well said

I remember attending my grandmothers naturalization in the late 1950's. We still have her "homework" from that process.

My mother went through the classes and got naturalized in the 70s. She was very proud of the accomplishment, as was I. She always said that she “got her papers”. My brother also got his papers,then later joined the Army. He became 100% disabled in SE Asia, and died of his injuries several years later. He often said he would go immediately back to active duty if he got the call. I have always been very proud of their accomplishment.

I have met about a dozen that went through the process.
Maybe I am weird ,
but it sure seems like those choosing to do so, walk , talk and act different than those that do not choose to do so.


I perceive a definite distinction between the two .

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
I have met about a dozen that went through the process.
Maybe I am weird , but it sure seems like those choosing to do so, walk , talk and act different than those that do not choose to do so.


I perceive a definite distinction between the two .

It's been a long time since I have been to one, it was a cousin's, before that, it was my own.

I also see a difference too, (maybe I am biased). When you have to earn something, rather than having it given to you, I think you do appreciate it more, maybe just because you remember the long wait, the work and effort that went into it. Or maybe that's just me.