Mona Darwich-Gatto, above right, was one of 46 people sworn in as U.S. citizens yesterday in Federal Court by U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren. She gave her 10-month-old son, Khalil, a kiss as husband Sgt. Michael Gatto held him.
46 immigrants
become U.S. citizensAn Army sergeant takes the oath
during a furlough from Iraq
Immigrants hoping to become American citizens must swear an oath of allegiance that includes the sentence, "I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law."
Army Sgt. Miguel Herrera has proved his allegiance for the past four years.
On a 15-day leave from duty in Iraq, he swore loyalty yesterday and pledged allegiance to a nation and a flag he has already been defending. Herrera, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, was cheered on by his wife, Army Sgt. Felicia Herrera.
Herrera was one of 46 immigrants who took the oath yesterday afternoon in a weekly naturalization ceremony that marks the granting of U.S. citizenship.
Lucy Aguilar, foreground, and behind her, Monika Kathuria and Marcel Queturas, were among the group.
The ceremony took place at the federal courthouse, and although it took less than a half-hour, for most people there, those last few minutes were the welcome conclusion to a journey that has taken years to complete.Mabi Morgan applied for citizenship in August 2001. Nearly three years later, she is glad she can finally call herself an American.
Morgan was born in Mexico and moved to California with her parents when she was 3 years old. She sounds like an American, she has always considered herself an American and, at age 25, she is officially an American.
Naomi Gascon was born and raised in the Philippines and had planned to use her new status to petition for citizenship on behalf of her mother, whom she left behind in Manila. Only Americans can petition for citizenship on the behalf of foreigners. But Gascon's mother died before she was able to use the privilege.
Gascon said she will try to bring her brother instead, and, if she starts the process now, in 10 or 15 years she could be watching him take the same oath.
"It takes a very long time, and it's getting really expensive," Gascon said of the application process. "I'm just glad it's finally over. Now I can bring my family, too."
Applicants for citizenship must undergo an FBI background check, must demonstrate a knowledge of the history and government of the United States and must read, write and speak English.
All applications must be approved by the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Immigrants have to live legally in the United States for five years before they can apply for citizenship, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren, who presided over the ceremony, welcomed the new citizens by telling them that "becoming an American does not mean that you have to leave your culture behind. By adding your own histories and experiences to the fabric of our country, you make America stronger."
Last year, 640,000 people were naturalized nationwide, 2,353 of them in Honolulu.
