With immigration topping the news cycle these days — often fraught with divisiveness and controversy — it’s good to step back and highlight the positive aspects of the issue.
On March 3, 37 people from disparate countries became American citizens at John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center. The event was attended by JCU President Alan Miciak and Global Cleveland President Joe Cimperman, among others.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Mohamad Odat, a native of Jordan, as he waited to be sworn in as a U.S. citizen by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese. “It’s good to be a citizen,” said Odat, who came to the United States 12 years ago and now lives in North Royalton. This sentiment was shared by many other new Americans.
Ty Neo, a Vietnam native, has been in the U.S. for 13 years. “I feel really good. I really love it here. My whole family lives here,” the Solon resident said.
Shereenata Deocareza of Cleveland, originally from the Philippines, met her husband while he was serving in the U.S. Army. “He was already here in America and I was working in Dubai. Then we met and he petitioned for me to come here,” Deocareza said. Now she can live here with her husband, Carlito, and their 5-year-old daughter, Sheana. “I feel so good and lucky too,” Deocareza said.
Not only did new citizens feel lucky, but so did Calabrese. The judge led the oath and handed out certificates to each of the new citizens. “It’s one of the best parts about what I do,” Calabrese said. “It’s always an honor and quite moving to see everyone who’s gone through the process and made a commitment to the country.”
Jeffrey Kosgei made the commitment by coming to the U.S. from Kenya to serve in the Air Force. “I’m in the military, so I started the process in December. It’s expedited because of being in service,” Kosgei said. When asked about why he moved to the U.S., Kosgei, a Youngstown resident, said, “It brings more opportunities, and it gives me the opportunity to serve the country while also improving myself.
“It’s good to be part of this country,” Kosgei said.
Kingsley Alala, a Kenyan immigrant, works as an accountant for a manufacturer in Ohio and has been in the U.S. for 20 years. The Willoughby Hills resident said he was both nervous and excited, saying the ceremony was a life-changing experience. After taking the oath of citizenship and receiving their naturalization certificates, participants were able to stand before the U.S. flag to take in the reality of their new citizenship.
Alala said: “It’s amazing. No one can describe this occasion, simply because this is one of the most powerful nations in the world. “The people are great, and the opportunities that the country represents — you can’t be more grateful for that.”
This story was written for Cleveland.com/The Sun.
