Local News

Becoming New Citizens

ELKINS -- Twenty individuals from 12 countries became new United States citizens during the annual Naturalization Ceremony in Elkins.

The new citizens were joined by friends, family and members of the community, who filled the courtroom to honor and celebrate the event, which took place at the Jennings Randolph Federal Building.

The new citizens hailed from Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Chief District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh, who quoted U2’s Bono in saying “America is not just a country, it’s an idea.”

“It is the greatest idea that mankind has ever had,” Kleeh told the new citizens. “You’re now part of the greatest idea that mankind has ever had, and you are now part of the giant laboratory of democracy that our founders gave to us. We welcome you to it. We hope you help us improve it and foster it for generations to come. Welcome home, my fellow Americans. We are so happy to have you here with us today.”

In a prerecorded video for new American citizens, President Donald Trump welcomed the applicants.

“It’s with great pride and wisdom, in so many different ways because you have such great wisdom, that I welcome you into our national family,” Trump said in the prerecorded statement. “No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes… to ever walk the face of the earth. All of the triumphs and glories of American history now belong to you. You have it in your being. You have it like no one has had it before.”

The ceremony’s invocation and benediction were given by Rev. Raymond Godwin from St. Brendan Catholic Church. The flag ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance were led by Boy Scout Troop 88. The national anthem was sang by all those in the courtroom. The new citizens also received a special pin from the Upshur and Randolph county chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and State Rep. Riley Moore sent remarks through their representatives, each welcoming the new citizens and congratulating them for their determination and effort.

“Although I’m not able to be there in person, I want you to know how proud I am to call you my fellow Americans,” Todd Gunter, Field Representative to Capito, read in a letter from the senator. “As a nation of immigrants, our country is shaped by people from around the world with one thing in common: They seek freedom to worship, express themselves and pursue what makes them happy. The oath that you take today affirms your commitment to not only our country but the United States Constitution, and therefore our laws and even our ideals.”

New citizen Reymundo Rodriguez Jinez, who came from Mexico at 8 years old, gave a speech to the other applicants during the ceremony. Jinez congratulated his fellow new citizens and asked them to continue their lives in the U.S. with kindness.

“I would like to invite you to carry one thought with you as much as possible during your lives here in this country: Be kind,” Jinez said in his speech. “…I want to invite us to take the opportunity to be kind. Be kind to your neighbor, be kind to your parents, be kind to your spouse, be kind to your children, and last but not least, remember to be kind to yourselves. I wish you success, happiness and joy… thank you and congratulations.”