Amherst Welcomes New US Citizens In Uplifting Naturalization Ceremony
Forty nine people of various backgrounds took an oath of U.S. citizenship Tuesday morning on the grounds of a Massachusetts high school, in a heartwarming display of unity and hope. For many of these new Americans, the naturalisation ceremony, held in a local community centre, was a huge step, one they have been waiting years for.
An Amherst resident, Tashi Dhondup had a remarkable journey that got him among the newest naturalised citizens. Dhondup, who had been stateless since fleeing Tibet in 1959 during an uprising and fleeing to Nepal, was desperate for authorities to hear his storey. Dhondup’s path to citizenship stretches back more than six decades, but after a tortuous road it reached an emotional conclusion at this ceremony, marking the end of a long road.
Local officials, community leaders and family members of the new citizens were in attendance, an atmosphere of celebration and support at the event. Amherst is a place where immigrants and refugees have been welcomed for a very long time, and have long sought sanctuary in the United States.
On the occasion, each participant would take his/her right hand and recite the Oath of Allegiance stating his/her support and defence of the US Constitution and its laws. Applause and tears of joy were met by both the new citizens, and their loved ones in attendance.
At the event, local officials spoke of the role immigration plays in the fabric of American society and how new citizens add to communities. Amherst pledges it is an inclusive and supportive environment for people from all walks of life, they pointed out.
The naturalisation ceremony was also a reminder of the on-going national conversation about immigration policy. These events point to things like this, personal storeys and hopes behind the numbers and political bluster, as debates continue in Washington and elsewhere.
The culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and dedication, for many of the new citizens, this was also the day. They shared some of their storeys about challenges with living in their home country and opportunities they’ve found in the USA. Some spoke of their dreams of what will come and how they wanted to fully participate in American civic life.
The new citizens and their families were invited to celebrate together at a reception where certificates of naturalisation were distributed and the ceremony finished. Volunteering local community organisations were present to help give information about voter registration and other civic engagement opportunities, hoping the new citizens would start to become involved in the democracy.
Events such as this naturalisation ceremony are important reminders of all that Amherst values and part of the storey of the broader American storey. These new citizens will surely come from different backgrounds and experiences, which will surely bring his vibrant cultural tapestry to the community and for years to come.