Tatiana Mendez, 27, came to the United States 10 years ago from El Salvador to escape violence.
“10 years ago in El Salvador, there was a lot of violence and students were being kidnapped,” Mendez said.
On Wednesday, the eve of the Fourth of July Holiday, Mendez was one of 50 people to take the oath and be naturalized as U.S. citizens during a ceremony at Wolf Lake Pavilion in Hammond.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed 11,000 new citizens in more than 195 naturalization ceremonies between June 28 and July 5, according to a news release.
“It feels great. I’ve been waiting for this a really long time,” Mendez said. “I’m just happy to be a citizen.”
The Hammond ceremony included immigrants from 23 countries, including Vietnam, Mexico, Germany and Sri Lanka, many of whom came to the U.S. for a variety of reasons from escaping persecution and violence to better opportunities, said immigration attorney Teja Shah.
As American citizens, Shah encouraged those being naturalized to not forget their origin story and to use it to help future immigrants who come to the U.S. He also encouraged them to be engaged in their communities and to be informed citizens.
“You’ve all demonstrated great resolve to get to this point,” Shah said. “Being an American citizen is not just a label, an achievement, but really a responsibility as well.”
U.S. District Court for Northern District of Indiana Magistrate Judge Abizer Zanzi said it was his first time overseeing a naturalization ceremony, which meant a lot to him as a first-generation American.
“As a child of immigrants, I want to tell you that the American Dream is real. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. But, it requires effort. So here’s my advice to you: dream big and find ways to serve your country. If you do those two things, work hard toward your ambitions and actively participate and contribute to the betterment of this country and the community in which you live, I am confident that you will experience the American dream,” Zanzi said.
U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, said those who became citizens Wednesday underwent a “journey marked by perseverance, dedication and hope.”
The United States was created on the ideals of liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness, Mrvan said. Under those ideals, the U.S. has been seen as a “beacon of freedom” to people around the world, he said.
“Today, as you have taken the solemn oath of citizenship, you embrace these ideals and commit to upholding the values that make America extraordinary. Becoming a citizen of the United States is not merely a legal formality, it is a profound commitment,” Mrvan said. “It signifies your readiness to contribute to our nation’s ongoing story, progress and opportunity. Your diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences will help shape the future of this country, bringing new perspectives and strengthening our democracy.”
Tony Ferraro, who spoke on behalf of U.S. Senator Mike Braun, said America has a long history of welcoming people from “beyond our shores to join our American family to participate in our society, to add each of their own unique flavors to the vast melting pot of people and cultures.”
“Remember along your journey to honor the sacrifices of those who have come before you. Freedom is not free, it must be cherished, protected and fought for. Participate in your government and communities. Make sure your voice is heard, vote,” Ferraro said.
Jose Diaz, who spoke on behalf of U.S. Senator Todd Young, said each new citizen’s background and experience “enrich our country and strengthen the very fabric of our society.”
“I know your journey to this day has been long and often difficult, but I’m certain the freedoms you’ll enjoy as a citizen will make it worth the wait. America has been called the land of opportunity because every individual, regardless of their background, has a chance to make a new life for themselves and their families,” Diaz read from a letter Young gave to each new citizen.
Rosalie Levinson, professor emerita at the Valparaiso University School of Law, said seeing all the new citizens reminded her of her parents surviving the Holocaust and ultimately arriving at Ellis Island in New York after escaping from Germany.
“My parents anxiously awaited those precious papers that would allow them to come to America,” Levinson said. “My parents taught me to appreciate and to fight for the liberties guaranteed by our constitution that you have all diligently studied.”
Levinson said she hopes each of the new citizens achieves their American dream now that they are citizens.
“We are a nation made strong by people like you who have come here to live in our democracy,” Levinson said. “Our democracy works only if we work together as citizens.”
Slavica Gjoreski, 33, left her home country of Macedonia 6 years ago with her husband for better opportunities. Gjoreski said she looks forward to celebrating her first Fourth of July as a citizen on Thursday.
“I’m really happy here,” Gjoreski said. “We’re ready for it.”
Mendez, who registered to vote after the ceremony at a League of Women Voters booth, said she can’t wait to cast a ballot in the upcoming election and exercise her freedom of speech.
Her family planned a small celebration of her citizenship Wednesday night, but the big party was planned for Thursday on the Fourth of July, Mendez said.
“Tomorrow will be the big day and celebration,” Mendez said. “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity.”
