By Irfan Shariff
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Photo credit: Randy Hurlow
“It takes paperwork, persistence, and patience,” said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, as she addressed 252 immigrants before they took the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens on July 4—–the nation’s 250th Independence Day—–at the 41st naturalization ceremony held at Seattle Center. Poiticians and dignitaries, including Wilson, Sen. Maria Cantwell, and Rep.. Pramila Jayapal, urged the new citizens to vote, keep their culture, and strengthen their communities.
Photo credit: Randy Hurlow
“Two- hundred- fifty years ago today, our Founding Fathers declared independence and constructed a vision for a new nation based on ideas and reason. Every step of the way, immigrants shared our values, upheld our constitutional rights, and forged new laws protecting those civil rights,” said Cantwell, and also reminded the new Americans that they “took the test. You know what it’s about. Let’s go put it into action.”
“How much more American can this be?,” said Alma Plancich who has been coordinating the event for the last 30 years. Plancich, who is also a naturalized citizen, told the candidates that “what you bring to this country is essential for us to function.”
Photo credit: Randy Hurlow
During the presentation of candidates, 55 countries were represented and the candidates stood up when their former countries were called. The top four countries represented were Asian, with China providing 55 candidates, India with had 44, Philippines withhad 20, and Vietnam with 15. Manuel Go, of the Philippines, was recognized as the oldest candidate at 81 years old.
Photo credit: Randy Hurlow
The ceremony, which was open to the public, gathered a large crowd of family, friends, and well-wishers on the lawn between Seattle Center’s International Fountain and Fisher Pavilion beneath the Space Needle. Cultural performances included classical Chinese dances and Native American storytelling.
Photo credit: Susan Fried
The event was an official court proceeding, or judicial ceremony, and presided over by the U.S. District Court Judge, David Estudillo. The candidates were presented to Estudillo after they went through months of filing forms, interviewing, and waiting. He granted them citizenship and administered the Oath of Allegiance, which is required of all new citizens to renounce any foreign allegiances and defend the United States against foreign and domestic threats.
Photo credit: Susan Fried
“The process made me very nervous,” said Sophia Su, who came to Seattle 10 years ago to attend the University of Washington. “But, overall, it was pretty smooth.”
Su didn’t choose the July 4 ceremony, but rather it was assigned to her. Candidates for naturalization can join a ceremony the same day as their interview if one is available, or are later assigned a date and location. She said her level of excitement that day was at a 10. Her husband, who is a citizen, and her U.S.-born son came to support her.
Photo credit: Susan Fried
On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, which automatically grants citizenship to any U.S.-born child. This ruling rejected President Trump’s executive order to take citizenship away from the children of undocumented parents or those who were here temporarily when the child was born. Birthright citizenship is interpreted through the 14th Amendment, which provides all citizens equal protection under the law.
Photo credit: Susan Fried
Jayapal, who was born in India and lived in Indonesia, connected with the crowd because she “is uniquely tied to generations of immigrants like you.” Her family sent her to the U.S. at 16 for schooling and 17 years later, she became a citizen.
“We celebrate you and the gifts you bring,” she said. “Thank you for choosing America as your new home.”
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