Becoming a U.S. citizen on the Fourth of July

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Mark Garay
More: Bio, abc13.com News Team

(7/04/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- On this Fourth of July, 52 Houston area residents became American citizens.

From light up pens to patriotic ties, everything seemed as colorful as those, who on Wednesday in downtown Houston, became U.S. citizens.

"We are excited about the diversity of those of you who are here coming from so many different countries," said Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee during the ceremony.

They came here from 23 lands the world over, from Asia to Africa, Belgium to Britain.

"It means a lot, it means being a part of a heritage of freedom and independence and liberty, so I'm looking forward to contributing as a full voting citizen," said Carl Anglin from the United Kingdom.

For these people, America represents true opportunity. Matthew Dawson, 40, and his family moved here from Turkey to find freedom on both a personal and a professional level.

"We have a travel agency in Turkey and here and we want to work in the United States because the United States is a great country, so powerful," he told us.

"I can go anywhere I want to, just more privileges," said Asma Rehman from Pakistan. "I'm a flight attendant, so I can go without any visas, so it's just a relief."

Many brought their children to share in the moment, a fitting example of pride and excitement since one day, they will recall this day when they become adults.

"I would say, 'Well son, this was a big step that I did. It was for you'," said Bany Montenegro from Mexico. "To me, being all the same is like uniting the family."

And so then, 52 new Americans will be officially absorbed into a culture they already both know and respect. And even though most have already lived here for years, Wednesday marked the end of a long journey.

"To help this country and support the Constitution and laws," said Leticia Foster from Mexico.

In additional to happiness, may people who took part in the ceremony said they were relieved. One woman told us she couldn't wait to call her father in Tanzania to tell her about this big day.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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