100-year-old woman achieves lifelong goal, becomes U.S. citizen
MIAMI, Fla. - A 100-year-old woman from Buenos Aires, Argentina who said she didn't want to die without becoming an American citizen has achieved her goal.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Amanda Angelica Budino recently took the Oath of Allegiance and became a naturalized U.S. Citizen during a special ceremony at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Miami, Florida.
Budino has lived in the United States since 2001 and currently resides with her daughter and granddaughter in Miami. She was the only member of her family who had not attained U.S. citizenship, according to Homeland Security.
"I was honored to have interviewed Mrs. Budino regarding her naturalization application," said Immigration Services officer Iliam Espada, who helped her through her application process. "She was very warm, bright, and we here in Miami wish her all the best."
According to Homeland Security, Budino was so excited during her naturalization interview that she answered every question while waving an American flag and saying, "Let's go, USA!"
Upon completing the process, she said: "I am very thankful to this county, and I am very happy to become an American citizen."