British native Allison Smith became a US citizen in Saguaro National Park West on Independence Day after living in the US for nearly 32 years. She never forgot the irony.
“I was stubborn, but now is the time,” said Smith.
The normally annual naturalization event was held at the Red Hills Visitor Center in West Park for the second year in a row after being interrupted by the pandemic. U.S. Justice Bruce G. McDonald presided over the ceremony, in which nearly 20 new Americans from Mexico, South Africa, the Philippines and other countries recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
I hereby renounce and renounce all allegiance and allegiance to any foreign prince, magnate, state or sovereignty of which I have been a subject or nation. I will uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies at home and abroad. I pledge my true faith and allegiance to it. Carry arms on behalf of the United States when required by law. I will serve in the U.S. Armed Forces as a non-combatant when required by law. To carry out tasks of national importance under private direction when required by law. And I undertake this duty freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So God please help me.
San Xavier district legislative representative Daniel Preston, who also heads the Tohono O’Dum Nation, advocated the traditional blessing.
Saguaro National Park’s deputy superintendent Jeff Cong said in a speech congratulating the new citizens that there is nothing more American than becoming a citizen in the park on July 4th.
“These places protect the story of America,” Conn said.
Pima County Recorder Gabriela Cazares-Kelly addressed the crowd about the importance of voting.
Casares-Kelly, a member of the Tohono O’Dum Nation and the first indigenous woman elected countywide in Pima County, said in a speech that Native Americans were not considered U.S. citizens until 1924. and the rights of Native Americans were not granted. Voted in Arizona until 1948 when a Native American World War II veteran sued Arizona.
It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that discriminatory voting practices were banned by the federal government, she said.
“Patriotism is confusing,” Cazares-Kelly said in his speech. “As Americans, and fellow patriots, I want you to realize that it means the ability to question governments, to hold them accountable for the work we do. It means you can do it without fear, without fear that someone will come to your door and take you away, without fear of violence, without fear of civil rights impact. you have it now.”
Casares-Kelly stayed after the ceremony to help new citizens register to vote.
“Our new residents live here. They have contributed to our community. Many of them pay taxes. These taxes are determined by elected officials and Those in charge decide what to do with the tax, and now they can have a say in it,” said Cazares-Kelly.
Imelda Inso waited 22 years to come to the United States from the Philippines and another five years to become a citizen.
“It means a lot. At least I can vote,” Inso said. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
For Mexican-born Irma Castro, becoming a US citizen means happiness.
“(It) means I can express my opinions and thoughts about this country,” Castro said. “My ideas and best feelings for making this country better.”
Castro attended the ceremony with her husband. They planned to drive back to Douglas’ home to see the fireworks and celebrate later that night.
Wendy Pennington from South Africa wore an American flag T-shirt to attend a civil rights ceremony in a park. Pennington was thrilled to find her own freedom on Fourth of July.
“I’m thrilled to be here forever,” Pennington said. “I’m just here, you know?”
