Stephanie Adenbrooke Photo
June 1, 2015, was just a date in the distant future when Natassia Lindo arrived in the U.S. 15 years ago. It became a turning point in her life, as she said her first pledge of allegiance as a new citizen — as part of the largest naturalization ceremony in state history.
Along with 481 others, Lindo (pictured) was sworn in at the ceremony Monday at Yale University’s Woolsey Hall.
Lindo came to the U.S. from Jamaica to find better opportunities for work. As well as finding work, Lindo also found love: She recently got married. And she found a sense of security she said she hadn’t felt before.
“I don’t have to worry in the same way anymore,” she said. “I’m a citizen now!”
When the name of her country was called, Lindo stood to cheers from her friends and family, as well as the supporters of her fellow Jamaicans also being naturalized. Beaming as she held her naturalization certificate and a U.S. flag, Lindo said the ceremony was everything she hoped it would be.
Mavluda Skandarova, a new citizen originally from Kyrgyzstan, said sharing the moment with so many other people made the event “even more special.”
It was not just the new citizens that were touched by the size of today’s event. Magistrate Judge Joan Margolis said she too will “treasure this day always.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called naturalization ceremonies one of the most inspiring parts of his job. The excitement and optimism of the new citizens remind him of reasons to be proud of his country.
“Thank you for wanting to be American citizens. Thank you for making the journey,” he told his new fellow Americans. “Thank you for taking a test that most people born here couldn’t pass.”
Blumenthal, whose father immigrated to the U.S. from Germany, closed his speech by thanking the parents in the room. He said they had given their children a “gift” by also welcoming them to the American community.
Both Blumenthal and Margolis reflected on the contributions naturalized citizens can make to the U.S., by bringing their cultures and backgrounds to the nation’s conversations.
“Each of you, I am absolutely certain, will make this country better,” Blumenthal said.
Melissa deMacedo and Ana Isabel Deras, both new citizens originally from Honduras, called Blumenthal’s speech the highlight of the ceremony. Seated in the front row, the pair of them said the only thing that would make the day complete would be a picture with the senator himself.
After waiting in line for their naturalization certificates, the two women received both ttheir wishes: their US citizenship and a picture with the senator.
“Today,” Deras said, “has just been brilliant.”