WHEATON, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Cantigny Park in Wheaton served as the backdrop for dozens of immigrants who became naturalized U.S. citizens on Monday.
Veronica Almazan was one of 77 people from 31 different countries who were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a timely naturalization ceremony.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, she immigrated to the U.S. in 2010. Fourteen years later, her son watched as she became an American citizen. She was asked how it felt to become a naturalized citizen.
“Oh my God, I'm so happy,” she said.
Almazan said her first act as a U.S. citizen will be to register to vote.
“I think for this election, [it’s] very, very, very important to vote — everybody who can,” she said.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) attended the ceremony and said every vote matters, whether it's your first or 15th election.
“Don't miss that opportunity,” Durbin said. “I say that to everybody. Be sure and register and vote tomorrow.”
The senator added that, for him, naturalization ceremonies are personal.
“My mother became a naturalized citizen of the United States and her son, a United States senator,” he said. “I believe that we are a better nation because of immigrants, and we should be open and honest about that reality.”
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