For these Valley residents, becoming U.S. citizens means new and better opportunities
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Jonathan Romero was only two months old when his parents came to the United States from México looking for their American Dream.
Romero’s own American Dream is now a reality after he became a United States citizen Tuesday morning.
The 32-year-old Modesto resident was one of 39 people from 10 countries – including El Salvador and the Philippines – who took the oath of allegiance to the United States during a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in downtown Fresno.
“Opportunity, growth and just the American dream becoming a reality. That’s what it means to me,” said Romero, who wants to become a police officer. “I’ve been wanting to make an impact on my city or state, to help with my community.”
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“I am the last of my family members to be receiving this citizenship, as I have American born siblings,” Romero said.
Being officially a naturalized citizen has not sunk in yet for Romero.
“It is a nervous feeling and it’s been something I’ve been waiting for my whole life,” Romero said.
Diana Castañeda, supervisor immigration service officer who administrated the oath of allegiance, told the new citizens to share their pride.
“I hope that you all play a big part in your communities,” Castañeda said.
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José Ramírez Cobián was “really excited” walking out as a U.S. citizen.
For him it means better job opportunities as he could now apply to federal jobs.
He has called the United State home for almost two decades.
The 37-year-old Fresno resident was 18 years old when he migrated to the Unites States.
“Here I am, you know, becoming a citizen. So, I’m really happy,” said Ramírez Cobián who was born in the small town of Tonaya in the state of Jalisco, México.
His husband of 10 years, Ricardo Ramírez Cobián was waiting for him outside.
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“I feel so very excited for him. This is another goal accomplished. And I’m very proud of him, too,” said Ricardo Ramírez Cobián.
Selma resident Hernán Santos Barragán said it felt good having his citizenship certificate on hand.
Santos Barragán, who has lived in this county for 30 years, said this was his second time applying for citizenship.
“The first time I got denied,” said Santos Barragán. “And it feels good that I finally became one.”
Santos Barragán was 3 years old when his family immigrated to the United State.
The 33-year-old has more reasons to celebrate: His birthday was on Oct. 4, and he is getting married on Oct. 27 in Southern California from where his fiancé is from.
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“I’ve been here most of my life. Grew up and was raised here,” Santos Barragán said of being an American now.
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