In a lively federal courtroom in Portland, a naturalization ceremony held on June 27 was infused with the energy akin to that of a sold-out concert.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance Walker presided over the event, greeting an enthusiastic crowd with, “This is a very active crowd, I love this crowd!”
His excitement echoed as applause erupted multiple times during the ceremony.
For the 28 individuals becoming citizens, this event marks a significant milestone after enduring a lengthy and often challenging immigration process.
One such new citizen, Damien Mpayimana from Rwanda, has spent over a decade striving for his citizenship.
Reflecting on the current climate, he expressed, “Many, many immigrants, right now, they’re very scared,” citing fears stemming from aggressive immigration enforcement policies.
With a chuckle of relief, Mpayimana compared his journey to gaining citizenship to “crossing the crocodile river,” conveying the trepidation that often accompanies such a transformational experience.
Now working as a commercial truck driver, Mpayimana feels at last that he has made his home in the United States.
Despite the looming fears surrounding immigration policy, Tenzin Wangdue, hailing from Nepal, maintains that the United States remains a beacon of opportunity.
“Well, everybody wants to come to the United States for their better future, right?” he remarked, emphasizing the aspirational spirit that draws many to American shores.
Navigating the political landscape as a new citizen, Wangdue pledged his allegiance to the Constitution, underscoring its primacy over any political entity.
“We have to support our Constitution,” he stated firmly.
In his address to the gathering, Judge Walker reassured the new citizens of their vital role in enhancing the nation’s culture and heritage.
His message was particularly poignant given the backdrop of recent legal challenges surrounding immigration, including Supreme Court rulings that favored deportation measures under the Trump Administration and sought to eliminate birthright citizenship.
“You remind us all of the value of our own citizenship,” Judge Walker asserted, reminding attendees that the narrative of the United States is deeply intertwined with the stories of immigrants.
He advocated for embracing the talents and contributions of new citizens, stating, “So please, share your art, share your music, share your language, and for me, at any rate, please share your recipes with your fellow Americans,” which was met with laughter from the audience.
The ceremony reached its culmination with the administration of the oath of citizenship, after which the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
Walker remarked that the enthusiasm displayed during the oath might have been the most vigorous he had ever encountered at such an event.
In a time when immigration policies are increasingly contentious, the ceremony celebrated not just the legal status of the new citizens but also their invaluable contributions to the fabric of American society.
image source from：mainepublic
