On this Fourth of July, over 500 individuals from various countries took a significant step toward their dreams by officially becoming U.S. citizens during the 40th annual Naturalization Ceremony held at Seattle Center.
This celebration marked not just a holiday, but a moment of transformation for many participants in the heart of Seattle.
Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo of the Western District of Washington presided over the public ceremony, administering the oath of allegiance to the new Americans.
The program commenced with a solemn presentation of colors by the Washington State Guard Honor Guard, followed by a stirring performance of the national anthem by soloist Maria Kesovija, accompanied by High Class Brass.
Mayor Bruce Harrell of Seattle welcomed the attendees, setting a warm tone for the event.
Additionally, a Native American performance titled “The Spirit of All Things” showcased the rich culture of the region, featuring storyteller Gene Tagaban along with musicians Peter Ali and Swil Kanim.
Leanne Leigh, the District 41 Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), recognized the new citizens, highlighting the diversity of their origins and acknowledging the eldest participant, along with those who have served in the military.
For many, such as Luis Castro and his mother Evelia Castro, this day was particularly special.
Luis expressed his sentiments, stating, “It’s actually like a dream come true. We’ve been talking about this since I was a little kid, since I can remember.”
As Evelia took the oath, it marked the culmination of her year-long journey to U.S. citizenship after immigrating from Mexico 36 years prior.
Evelia reflected on the significance of the moment, saying, “It means something grand, something wonderful. I feel like this is my land, that I was born here, and I’m happy to officially be part of the United States.”
Luis echoed his mother’s feelings, adding, “It’s a heartfelt moment. For me, I felt like, like, I just like, I graduated with her as well. So it’s been amazing.”
The ceremony closed with a congratulatory address from U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful” performed by gospel singer Josephine Howell.
For the first time, the new citizens recited the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Children of Our Nations.
The Castros offered encouragement to those still striving for the American Dream.
Evelia urged, “That they keep moving forward. I’ve been praying to my Father God so that all those people can also have an opportunity to be part of the United States. I’ve been praying for all my people, all my Mexican community, and for those who are struggling too — that they have patience and keep working hard. That day will come. God is good.”
Luis emphasized the inclusiveness of America, stating, “This is a land of opportunity. This is a land of dreams, not for specific people, for everyone.”
The event was a collaborative effort among Seattle Center, USCIS, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, continuing a cherished city tradition observed annually since its inception, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statistics from the ceremony revealed that Mexico had the highest representation with 62 new citizens, followed by China with 34, Canada with 30, India with 29, and both the Philippines and Vietnam with 24.
This annual event serves not only as a celebration of Independence Day but also as a poignant reminder of the dreams that inspire people from around the globe to seek a new life in America.
image source from：fox13seattle
