In a heartfelt celebration of patriotism and diversity, more than 500 immigrants took their oath of citizenship at Seattle’s 40th annual 4th of July naturalization ceremony, held at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. This event welcomed 501 new citizens from 79 different countries, marking a significant milestone in their immigrant journeys as the nation continues to navigate the complexities of immigration policies.
Presided over by Chief U.S. District Court Judge David G. Estudillo, this ceremony is a cherished Independence Day tradition in Seattle. Despite the ongoing national discourse surrounding deportation and immigration policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration, the event proceeded with hundreds of family members and supporters coming together under the iconic Space Needle to witness the Oath of Allegiance.
Among the newly minted citizens, Mexico stood out with the largest representation, contributing 62 new Americans. Other countries with significant numbers included China with 34, Canada with 30, India with 29, and both the Philippines and Vietnam contributing 24 each.
The ceremony was not just a formal occasion; it was enriched with cultural performances that highlighted the vibrancy of the diverse communities present. Musical acts from High Class Brass and a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful” by gospel singer Josephine Howell set a patriotic tone. Additionally, Native American storyteller Gene Tagaban, along with musicians Peter Ali and Swil Kanim, presented “The Spirit of All Things,” adding a profound cultural dimension to the event.
Seattle Center, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington collaboratively hosted the ceremony. This annual gathering has been a staple in Seattle since 1985, with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the standout stories came from Gareth Lim, whose journey to U.S. citizenship took nearly two decades and spanned multiple continents. Originally from Malaysia, Lim had also lived in Taiwan before arriving in the U.S. in 2006 to pursue his education at Seattle University. He shared, “My whole entire journey was actually 20 years in the making, because upon going to college, I realized how much I wanted to be in the United States.”
Lim faced numerous challenges during his immigration process, including the necessity to leave the U.S. when his work visa could no longer be extended. His journey took him back to Malaysia, then to Taiwan, and ultimately to Canada, from where he moved to Vancouver. The complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic added further hurdles, culminating in his wedding at Peace Arch Park and an extended stay in Canada before he could return to the U.S. in 2022.
Despite the challenges, Lim expressed a strong desire to contribute to civic life as a new citizen, stating, “With everything that’s going on still, I would still want to be a United States citizen. But more importantly, I wanted this extra step forward as a citizen to allow me to contribute to the conversations.” He hopes to engage in local, national, and state-level developments, ensuring that his voice is heard.
Another inspiring story came from Miriam Chung, who is on the verge of completing her own journey to U.S. citizenship. “This is the last Fourth of July where I’m going to be a non-U.S. citizen,” she remarked, as she prepared to take the Oath of Allegiance on July 9 in Tukwila.
Chung’s path to citizenship began almost two decades ago, complicated by family objections. Her father had expressed concerns that pursuing U.S. citizenship might symbolically lead to a loss of connection to her roots. After transferring from Singapore to attend Andrews University in Michigan, she eventually received her green card, allowing her to live and work in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Recent personal changes led Chung to take the plunge into citizenship, and she filed her application in January, passing the civics test in April. “My future is here,” she said. As an entrepreneur, she noted that her decision was not merely logistical but filled with emotional significance tied to family ties and sacrifices made along the way.
“I’m the first. I’m breaking a lot of generational patterns just by being here and forging this path for myself,” she expressed, highlighting her unique position within her family’s history. Chung acknowledged the difficulty of leaving her established life in Asia but emphasized that her new life represents freedom and opportunity.
She plans to leverage her status as a U.S. citizen to create a nonprofit aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs, stating, “The opportunities here are incredible for anyone who dares to dream it, who dares to go after it. That’s why this is home.”
During the event, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addressed the crowd, celebrating the day as a moment of joy and welcome for the new citizens. “This is a happy day. This is a great day. This is an outstanding day for our country,” he proclaimed. Harrell underscored the importance of inclusivity and the city’s commitment to uphold its values amidst challenging political climates.
He highlighted the need for accountability regarding citizenship rights, saying, “We are patriots, but we hold our country accountable for what we are seeing. The promise of birthright citizenship is being called into question. Not on our watch here in Seattle.” His remarks came in light of rising tensions between local sanctuary city ordinances and the federal immigration policies that have intensified under President Trump’s administration, which has set aggressive enforcement targets and expanded ICE operations in traditionally protected locations.
Harrell praised the new citizens for their commitment to the nation, stating that their inclusion in the American family strengthens the country. “You will make it greater, and we need you right now. Welcome to your new home,” he concluded.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell also addressed the new citizens, reinforcing Washington state’s legacy of welcoming immigrants. Reflecting on historical moments, she mentioned how former Governor Daniel Evans and Secretary of State Ralph Munroe chose to accept Vietnamese refugees during a time when other states turned them away. “Many of those newcomers took Governor Evans up on that opportunity. And today, Washington is home to one of the largest Vietnamese American populations in the United States of America,” Cantwell noted.
Cantwell stressed the economic impact of immigrants, stating that foreign-born individuals make up one-fifth of the state’s workforce. She celebrated the linguistic diversity within Seattle, where students speak over 140 languages and dialects. “Whether it is a culture of diversity, the arts, our neighborhoods, civic engagement, corporate leadership, our foreign-born residents are contributing to our economy,” she highlighted.
Acknowledging the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants, Cantwell noted that many successful businesses in Washington started with ideas from newcomers, citing pioneers like Fujimatsu Moriguchi and John Nordstrom. Furthermore, she emphasized that 44% of U.S. startups valued at $1 billion owe their success to at least one immigrant founder. She conveyed her appreciation for the perseverance and contributions of the new citizens, saying, “We know that you enrich our lives, strengthen our economy, bring new ideas, create businesses, and we know that you are here to seek freedom and opportunity.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the new citizens recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as Americans, a moment led by Miss Washington 2024 Hermona Girmay along with the group Children of Our Nations. This moment epitomized both personal achievements for the new citizens and reinforced Seattle’s ongoing commitment to serving as a welcoming space for diverse populations from around the globe.
The 4th of July naturalization ceremony stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and dreams of those who have chosen to call the United States their home, symbolizing a shared commitment to the values of freedom and opportunity that define the nation.
image source from：nwasianweekly
