It was an unusually warm, fall day and I was glad that I had worn a summer-weight suit. Amid the hustle and bustle of returning students, I carefully drove along campus streets, found a coveted parking space and made my way to the student union building on the University of Pittsburgh college campus, navigating around students and staff who little knew the special occasion being celebrated there that day. I was just one of many coming to witness the August 29th naturalization ceremony for my friend and 101 others who had completed the requirements to become American citizens.
They came from all over the globe. From Canada to China, Argentina to Uzbekistan. They came for new opportunities, or to escape political and personal oppression. There to witness the event were family and friends. Immigration Services Officers officiated. Even President Obama was there, in a pre-recorded welcome for the new citizens.
The program opened with the National Anthem. After listening to several speeches, they received their much-anticipated citizenship papers. It was a moving ceremony, as each announced recipient made his or her way down a line of officials handing out papers, handshakes and tiny American flags.
Then we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance, both old citizens and new. The words to the Pledge rang clear and true. “Liberty and Justice for all” were unfamiliar concepts to many of these new citizens. And this old citizen found new meaning in the typically mumbled and worn out phrases.
Then, carefully clutching their hard-earned citizenship papers, families clustered together to share hugs and tears. Making their way to pre-selected locations around the venue, they took pictures before leaving to spend the rest of their first day on home soil.
During this election year there has been vicious talk about taxes, health care and unemployment. Arguments and negative campaigning point out the faults of each candidate. But how many really understand what a privilege it is to live in a country that allows the freedom to debate and disagree? To vote for the candidate of their choice without governmental interference? To speak out in public without fear of reprisal and, in fact , with the support of the government? These 102 new citizens may not know it yet, but each day will bring new realizations.
How will these new citizens vote in the coming election? I don’t know. And I don’t need to know. What I do know is that it’s their choice. They’re Americans.
© Judy Beck, J.D. 2012
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