June 28, 2011 | By: Pov M. Xyooj, Hmong TV Network

FRESNO, CA -- On June 28th, 58 refugees officially became American citizens after they took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States at Orchid Hall held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 

 

 

 

The new American citizens consists of individuals from eight different countries:

• Cambodia    14
• Indonesia    1
• Iran        1
• Lao        36
• Sierra Leon    1
• Somalia    1
• Thailand    3
• Vietnam    1

Families, relatives, and friends filled the seats carrying and waving American flags in excitement during the ceremony.

The ceremony opened with the singing of the American National Anthem and closed with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Reverend Sharon Stanley, Executive Director and Founder of FIRM, congratulated the individuals for having accomplished a very important step in being an active member in America for many refugees.

She states that the next step which lie ahead for them is registering to vote so that their voice will be heard and taken seriously now that they are an American citizen.

Rev. Stanley presented a citizenship story quilt, sewn by previous citizenship class students, to the group to show the determination both they and previous citizenship class students had in their efforts to become American citizens.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, sung by one of the individuals, the new Americans proceeded to a table to receive their Certificate of Naturalization.

Maiv Nyiaj Xyooj, one of the individuals who received her Certificate of Naturalization that day, said that even at her age, she is glad to get her U.S. Citizenship because she still has a long life ahead of her.