Children follow in footsteps of parents, become U.S. citizens

Brian Ávalos García practically grew up in the United States ever since his parents migrated from Briseñas, Michoacán, México.

However, the Mt. Whitney High School junior knew he had limitations because he was not a U.S. citizen.

On National Citizenship Day (Sept. 16), Ávalos García became a changed person when he joined about 19 other children of naturalized citizens in getting their citizenship at a 50-minute ceremony at the Betty Rodríguez Regional Library.

“This day means being able to serve my country, and being able to get all the rights and getting new opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Ávalos García.

“I’m finally part of this country.”

He was unable to attend his father’s naturalization ceremony due to school. He plans to go into nursing.

The ceremony was the first held in public since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

“Today is a special day,” Lynn Feldman, director of the Fresno field office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “I hope you remember this day next to your birthday. Your doors are now open.”

Feldman said the new citizens are now qualified to go to college, land a federal job, or travel anywhere in the world and say, “I’m American!”

She added that they now share a common last name.

“You can say you’re Chinese American, or Mexican American, or America,” she said.

With citizenship comes responsibilities, said Feldman.

“Your responsibility is to vote. The Central Valley needs responsible citizens,” said Feldman. “I encourage you to use the education and opportunities you have.”

Carla Stoner-Brito spoke about connecting to her roots through her maternal grandmother, who migrated from México at age 17.

“Without her pursuit for a better life, I would not be here today,” said Stoner-Brito, an educator and children’s book author. “She was strong, worked hard, and encouraged her children to maximize all opportunities available to them.”

Stoner-Brito read her bilingual book ‘Carlos Goes to College’ (Carlos Va a la Universidad), while her brother, Luis Stoner, read the Spanish portion.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to learn about options that a college degree can offer,” said Stoner-Brito, who pointed out research showing Latino males typically fall behind their female counterparts when it comes to higher education.

Librarian Sally Gómez congratulated the new citizens and their families, and encouraged them to visit the library.