46 new Americans take citizenship oath in Akron ceremony
AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - 46 people became U.S. citizens today during a naturalization ceremony at the Akron Public Library hosted by Congresswoman Emilia Sykes.
Friends and family waved American flags in celebration as their loved ones took the oath of citizenship and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Among the new citizens was Jesus Soto, whose journey to this moment took 37 years. Soto came to the United States from Mexico at 4 years old, brought by a mother searching for a better life.
“Back in the 80s it was definitely more difficult in Mexico than it is now,” Soto said.
His daughter, Edith Soto, watched as her father walked across the stage to receive his citizenship papers.
“It makes me teary-eyed — his whole life, all he’s known is working hard and doing what he can with what he has,” she said.
Soto said the citizenship process came with challenges.
“It’s expensive. It’s a long process, very tedious,” Soto said.
Representative Sykes said stories like Soto’s show the determination many bring to the citizenship process.
“We really do applaud people for their willingness to stick with the process. It lets us know how dedicated they are to be Americans, and we’re proud to have them,” Sykes said.
Sykes said hearing these stories drives her to continue pushing for immigration reform.
“It makes me want to be more involved with fixing our immigration problems and making sure there is a consistent, reliable and safe way we are allowing people to come into this country,” Sykes said.
For Soto, today marks a new beginning.
“I’ve lived an American lifestyle, accepted all things American… and now I get to call myself an American,” Soto said.
By: Isabella Roberts
Source: 19 News