Eighteen immigrants take oath to become U.S. citizens

Daniel McCarty came to the U.S. from Canada 13 years ago as a self-described college student with "absolutely nothing." Today, he describes the life he's built here quite differently, one that now includes a home, a family and his own business.

McCarty said he owes it all to the opportunities he's found in America, which is why on Monday he expressed much gratitude after becoming a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony at the Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau.

"It's such a privilege for me to be a part of this," said McCarty, who lives in Poplar Bluff, Mo. "The opportunities available here are incredible. I just wanted to be a part of such a great country."

Eighteen immigrants from eight countries, including Nicaragua, India, Honduras, Mexico, Vietnam and Bangladesh, were sworn in during the ceremony. Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. presided over the proceedings, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was the guest speaker.

"The court is confident each of you petitioners will assimilate and contribute to the well-being of the communities in which you live and make the melting pot that is our society ever more commendable," Limbaugh said at the start of the ceremony.

The program included the presentation of the colors by American Legion Post 63, a rendition of "America the Beautiful," the Pledge of Allegiance and the administration of the U.S. citizenship oath. Dignitaries also in attendance were Judge Lewis Blanton and retired U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Sr.

Kinder told the group that speaking at the ceremony was one of the greatest honors he's ever had. In about a 20-minute talk, Kinder invoked America's most patriotic icons, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence. He said no other country has a declaration like America's, which pledges that all men are created equal.

"And if they were writing that today, they would have said all men and women," Kinder said.

Other nations are defined by soil, racial categories, language or religious creed -- usually which excludes others, Kinder said. But no other country, he said, is as inviting of legal immigrants as the U.S.

He listed some of the countries where those being sworn in were from, before adding, "I cannot migrate to any of those countries and become Vietnamese, or Bangladeshi or Canadian or Mexican. But all of them and you can come to America and be Americans. That's what we celebrate today."

Larry Ferrell, assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, also serves as the district's naturalization examiner. He said it is not easy to become a U.S. citizen.

"And, indeed, it should not be," he said. "There are stringent requirements, requirements designed to ensure not only those of high moral character, but those that have shown their commitment to the rule of law and are unfailingly committed to the values of which this country was founded shall be granted citizenship."

Each candidate met the requirements, including being a legal resident of the U.S., was physically present in the U.S. for 30 months of the previous five years, has shown good moral character for a five-year period before applying and showing a willingness to support and defend the U.S. and its constitution.

The candidates must also be able to read, write, speak and understand English. They also had to demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. history and certain principles of U.S. government.

During a reception after the ceremony, Lauro Rolando Salas Bocanegra was all smiles. The 18-year-old who lives in Senath, Mo., said he wanted to be a U.S. citizen since he was little.

"For the benefits, the job opportunity and better living," he said. "This is the best thing there is. I am really appreciative for my citizenship."

McCarty, the Canadian who lives in Poplar Bluff, said he was a little emotional during the ceremony.

"When you read our founding documents, they established principles that made us great," he said. "I hope we never stray from them. I hope that all of us here today remember that. We didn't just become hyphenated Americans. We became Americans."

smoyers@semissourian.com

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