From Somalia, Philippines, and more: Meet some of Alaska’s newest U.S. citizens

1 month ago

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A close-up connected immoderate hands holding a ample achromatic letter cover pinch a pamphlet connected apical of it that says "Naturalization Ceremony USCIS Anchorage Field Office," and connected apical of that a mini American emblem connected a stick

Jaabir Khaliif bounced his limb up and down successful anticipation arsenic he waited for his naturalization ceremonial to begin.

“It’s each smiles,” Khaliif said. “Everyone’s conscionable happy to beryllium here.”

On average, 1,032 group successful Alaska go U.S. citizens each year. On July 25, 10 caller Americans marked their citizenship successful a ceremonial successful Anchorage.

Khaliif came to Alaska erstwhile he was sixteen, pursuing his mom who arrived arsenic a exile from Somalia and Kenya. He said he misses nan nutrient and nan group successful Somalia, but he doesn’t consciousness for illustration it’s safe to spell back.

“That’s what Americans do,” Khaliif said. “They springiness you state and a caller life and everything. So, conscionable grateful to beryllium here.”

While Khaliif grinned from receptor to ear, Marjorie Rockwell said her feelings hadn’t sunk successful yet.

“I don’t consciousness anything,” Rockwell said. “You know, I’m benignant of conscionable there.”

Rockwell is from nan Philippines, and came to Alaska 5 years ago. She said she felt partially excited to beryllium a U.S. citizen, but besides felt immoderate uncertainty.

a female successful a greenish overgarment listens pinch a superior look arsenic a man pinch glasses squats down to show her something.

“Me and my hubby were conscionable talking astir what’s going on, you know, to nan politics,” she said. “That’s why I deliberation I’m benignant of hesitant aliases not really excited to beryllium portion of this anymore, because of what’s going on. It’s really sad, nan division.”

Rockwell’s biggest information to get citizenship was that it will make it easier for her family to subordinate her here. She said her dada and sister miss her a lot, and being successful nan U.S. will mean much opportunities for her sister’s kid.

During nan ceremony, 10 Alaskans from 10 different countries were instructed to emergence from their seats. They each put their correct manus complete their heart, and successful unison, repeated nan Oath of Allegiance. Khaliif was smiling done his words.

Four men guidelines successful an fluorescently lit agency room. nan man connected nan correct is waving an American emblem pinch a large grin connected his face. 2 different men are wearing US Military uniforms.

After repeating nan past statement of nan Oath – “I return this responsibility freely, without immoderate intelligence preservation aliases intent of evasion; truthful thief maine God.” – they officially became American citizens. The crowd of family members and Citizenship and Immigration officials erupted successful applause, and immoderate of nan caller citizens waved mini American flags successful nan air.

Rockwell’s husband, Geoff Rockwell, snapped immoderate photos of her holding her Certificate of Naturalization aft nan ceremony.

a female successful a greenish overgarment smiles while holding a certificate of naturalization. Behind her is nan judge who officiated her citizenship and 2 women who are clapping for her.

“I’m truthful happy for her,” Geoff, who is simply a U.S. national by commencement and has lived successful Alaska his full life, said. “I’m conscionable happy I sewage to witnesser it. This is simply a immense arena successful our lives and this is going to lead to a batch of bully things successful her life and pinch her family.”

For Khaliif, whose 9 years successful Alaska relationship for much than a 3rd of his life, nan time has been agelong awaited.

“I’m yet a citizen,” he said. “Finally tin spell retired of nan country, spell sojourn my homeland, possibly spell to Europe too.”

a man stands holding his certificate of naturalization. connected his correct of him is nan judge who officiated his citizenship and connected nan near is simply a female successful a reddish coat. each 3 are smiling and posing

Khaliif said location was different point he’s looking guardant to: telling his mom. He has kept nan process a concealed from her, specifically truthful that he tin astonishment her pinch nan news. She knows he applied, but she has nary thought that he’s already gotten his question and reply and citizenship. Khaliif said she is going to beryllium truthful happy for him.

Source Alaska Public