New Citizens Take Oaths, Voting Rights on the Line for 2024 Election
In a beautiful, scenic setting overlooking Los Angeles, nine immigrants from diverse backgrounds took the oath to become new American citizens. The naturalization ceremony, held with the iconic Hollywood sign as a backdrop, showcased the significant milestone in immigration stories that resonate across the nation.
Diverse Origins, Unified Aspirations
The new citizens hail from various parts of the world, including Lebanon, Germany, Taiwan, France, and Mexico. They shared a common dream of contributing to the U.S. and securing the right to vote. For many,ilish the upcoming U.S. presidential election in 2024 is top of mind.
Chia Hsin Tsai: A 33-year-old marketing manager from Taiwan, Chia Hsin Tsai moved to the U.S. for her master’s degree and has since built a career in the food industry.
"Becoming a part of the country that I’m living in makes me feel special. I live in this country. I can have a right to vote and everything," Tsai said.
Floriane Turcat: Raised in France to love American culture, Turcat is now a budding actor who hopes to become U.S. citizen. Commenting on her intent to vote, she remarks,
"I want to be part of the political movement of this country… I want to stand for my rights."
Why Vote? The Citizens Speak
Many of the new citizens see the right to vote as an essential part of their integration into American society. For Chia Hsin Tsai, it’s about being able to participate fully in the community she’s called home for over a decade.
Phoenix De Los Angeles Lopez Daal: A 31-year-old set dresser from Venezuela shared a sense of longing to exercise his new rights, stating that
"Voting isn’t a major reason for me to naturalize, but I hope to be able to cast a ballot in the presidential election heralding former President Donald Trump."
Democracy and Freedom: The Core Values
Each new citizen brings their distinct perspective, but a shared appreciation for American values resonates strongly among them. Dennis Beier, a 46-year-old film producer from Germany, sees the U.S. as a beacon of freedom and hopes to uphold these values.
"I just want to keep like this whole democracy thing intact… People need to respect when they lose, that’s part of it, and if you can’t, then you should not be in politics,” he emphasized.
The Road to Citizenship
The journey to becoming a naturalized citizen involves living in the U.S. with a green card for five years and passing English and civics tests. This rite of passage not only provides formal inclusion but also symbolizes a deep commitment to the country.
Ready for 2024?
Several newly-naturalized citizens have already begun registering to vote, eager to engage fully in political life. The upcoming 2024 presidential election serves as both something to look forward to and a tangible way to channel their newfound rights.
Conclusion: Unifying everyone under same colors
As these new citizens take their oath, it’s a poignant reminder that regardless of where they come from, their shared hopes and aspirations resonate with the ideals of America. The road to citizenship and the right to vote stands as a testament to the powerful attraction of American democracy.
Ready to cast your vote too? Explore your voting options and the upcoming 2024 elections today!