In a lively federal courtroom in Portland, a naturalization ceremony held on June 27 radiated the exuberance reminiscent of a sold-out concert, with Chief U.S. District Judge Lance Walker presiding over the event.
“This is a very active crowd, I love this crowd!” exclaimed Judge Walker, as the audience burst into applause.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for 28 new citizens, many of whom have navigated the challenging waters of immigration paperwork for years to reach this point.
Among the new citizens, Damien Mpayimana from Rwanda discussed the current climate of fear surrounding immigration.
“Many, many immigrants, right now, they’re very scared,” he acknowledged, highlighting the backdrop of recent federal immigration crackdowns.
Mpayimana, having worked for over a decade toward citizenship, likened his journey to crossing a perilous river full of crocodiles.
After finally achieving citizenship, he expressed relief, stating, “It’s like crossing the crocodile river.”
Now a commercial truck driver, Mpayimana feels he has finally found a sense of home.
Tenzin Wangdue, originally from Nepal, also took part in the ceremony, reflecting on the allure of the United States as a land of opportunity despite the political turbulence.
“Well, everybody wants to come to the United States for their better future, right?” Wangdue remarked.
He emphasized a commitment to supporting the Constitution, regardless of the political climate, stating, “We have to support our Constitution. No one’s above the constitution, whatever political party. Constitution comes first.”
During his address, Judge Walker reminded the new citizens of their vital role in enhancing America’s cultural tapestry.
His message underscored a contrast to recent legal decisions regarding immigration, such as the Supreme Court rulings that allowed the Trump Administration to deport migrants to other countries and challenged birthright citizenship.
“You remind us all of the value of our own citizenship,” Judge Walker asserted, emphasizing that the United States is fundamentally shaped by its history of immigration.
Despite the current federal focus on increasing deportations and curbing legal immigration avenues, Judge Walker celebrated the invaluable contributions of new citizens.
“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,” he said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
The ceremony reached its poignant climax with the administering of the oath of citizenship, a moment that inspired an outpouring of cheers and applause from friends and family.
After the oath, Judge Walker remarked that it may have been the most enthusiastic response he has ever witnessed at such an event.
The naturalization ceremony not only celebrated the new citizens’ journeys but also served as a reminder of the ongoing dialogues surrounding immigration in America.
image source from：nhpr
