GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ (AZFamily) — Friday was a very special day for 30 people from 11 different countries not only because it was their first day as American citizens but because they took their oath of allegiance at the Grand Canyon.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, completing all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen can take years.
“Sometimes it takes decades to become a U.S. citizen so the power of an event like this can’t be understated enough,” Grand Canyon representative Joëlle Baird said.
However, for people like Ulku Mckinnon from Turkey, who has lived in the U.S. with her green card for years, she said the process was worth it.
“I knew a lot of it but the more I study, I fall in love [with America] one more time,” Mckinnon said.
Friday, an Arizona judge opened court at the canyon, and Mckinnon was one of 30 people sworn in as a U.S. citizen in celebration of Constitution Week.
This is the first time a ceremony like this has happened at the Grand Canyon since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To me, Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and it’s an amazing place,” Mckinnon said. “It’s always magical to be here and then to become a citizen here makes it even more special now.”
Others came from the Philippines, India, Canada and further to finally become U.S. citizens.
As for Mckinnon, she said she’ll never take being a us citizen for granted.
“I’m so proud. I know me responsibilities now as a citizen and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Mckinnon said.
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Publish date : 2024-09-20 19:55:00
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