52 New Citizens Join Ranks Of Chicago Voters On Election Day
CHICAGO (CBS) -- On Election Day, 52 new U.S. Citizens from 26 countries will be able to cast their ballot as new Americans, after a naturalization ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center.
They come from all over the world.
"Bulgaria, Canada, Columbia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy," said, Carissa Cohen of U.S Citizenship Immigration Services, reading the roll call of nations where the new citizens came from.
Men and women, young and old, American Flags in hand, stood inside the Chicago Cultural Center and raised their hands as they took the oath of allegiance.
"The strength of the United States of America is derived of the interweaving of cultures from dozens of countries. Each group uniquely contributes to the cultural and social fabric to this great country," said Carla Pinera, Executive Director of the Interfaith Leadership Project.
Pinera said, especially in Chicago, immigrants contribute to economic prosperity.
"Immigrants make up 50 percent of new business licenses in the city of Chicago. Second only to the Magnificent Mile, the highest sales tax revenue is generated from Little Village and businesses along 26th Street," she said.
Maulesh Dirviti was born in India. He first moved to the U.S. as a student. He also is a soldier in the U.S. Army.
"This has always been a dream come true for me and my family. I lost my dad in January and I joined the U.S. military service and it fostered me to become a citizen," he said. "My dream come true and now I am part of the United States of America. I will show my naturalization certificate and it feels good to be able to vote."
Roman Tyka moved to the United States from Poland 16 years ago. He now joins his two sons, who were born here.
"I feel very happy. I was waiting so long so finally I got it," he said. "I'm so happy. I am part of America right now."
It was the eighth naturalization ceremony hosted by Chicago as part of the city's New Americans Initiative.
"I know how many of you must feel today and what an emotional destination you and your families are reaching at the end of the difficult and challenging journey on which you have embarked. the day I became a U.S. citizens I opened the door to the new and exciting chapter of my life. I can only hope that this day becomes as life changing for you as it was for me," said Pinera.
The newly naturalized citizens will also be able to cast their first vote as Americans on Election Day. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said there is no better day to celebrate that right.
"As of today, you can walk out of here, register to vote, and exercise your right as a citizen of the United States, of America," the mayor said.
Emanuel also announced the launch of a new website for the launch of the Office of New Americans, which will house resources and events available to new Americans in six languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Mandarin, Hindi and Arabic.
During the last fiscal year, roughly 729,995 immigrants were naturalized in the United States.
