People who had waited years to be able to call themselves American citizens packed the stage at Wolf Lake Pavilion in suburban Hammond, and their dream came true Wednesday.
“It feels amazing—very great.” It’s wonderful to be a part of this country,” said Sukseir Ghag, a new US citizen. “So now I can say I’m from the United States; I’m American!”
50 people received certificates as part of the massive naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, indicating their citizenship and commitment to being good citizens of the United States.
Almost everyone in the group described the event as life-changing, for a variety of reasons.
“This is very important to me because all of my family, my sons, and my children were born here,” said Paula Zepeda, a new United States citizen. “We live here.”
Ghag continued, “When I arrived in America, I realized I had a lot of options and opportunities to improve myself. I want to do a lot with my life.
Ghag’s wife, who was born in America, was present to encourage him.
“We don’t see the complications they do; we don’t know the process they had or what they went through to be on this stage today,” says Jagjot Kaur Ghag.
In similar ways, thousands of people across the United States are commemorating America’s birthday. According to the Office of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, 11,000 people will become citizens this week in 195 ceremonies.
“We are all going to celebrate this as well as the Fourth of July!” Ghag spoke.
