IRMO, S.C. — A Dream Come True for Many
It’s a day that families have been eagerly anticipating for years—a moment that brings them closer to achieving their American Dream. Just recently, a South Carolina federal judge made a deep impact on the lives of 29 individuals by granting them their U.S. citizenship during a ceremony held at Irmo Elementary School. As the new citizens raised their right hands and took the oath of allegiance, a sense of joy and accomplishment filled the room.
Voices of Gratitude and Celebration
Among the newly naturalized citizens, Jens Wolf Zschoche, originally from Germany, expressed his heartfelt happiness. “You could never dream of living in America or getting citizenship in America. For me, it’s a dream come true,” he shared as his face lit up with joy. This sentiment was echoed by Mabel Almanzar from the Dominican Republic, who emphasized the significance of this milestone for herself and her family. “This is an achievement. I think becoming a citizen is a dream that every immigrant that comes to this country has and to feel more a part of this country,” she stated.
Almanzar added an emotional note, speaking about her son. “I feel extremely happy because besides being a part of this country, it’s also for my son. Now that I’m a citizen, my son is one too, he’s 14. It’s something that’s really important for my family and me.” Her words serve not only as a personal victory but also as a beacon of hope for families striving for a better future.
A Diverse Community of New Citizens
The ceremony witnessed a beautiful display of diversity as individuals from nearly 20 different countries, including Colombia, India, Germany, and Thailand, gathered together to celebrate their newfound status. Each person’s journey was unique, yet they shared a common goal of becoming a part of the American fabric.
Reflecting on his past, Zschoche shared a bit of his story: “I lived in East Germany in 1989 when the wall came down. Then I moved to West Germany. My dad lived there, but I wasn’t allowed to see him because he couldn’t cross the border. In 2007, I came over with a German company, and I really liked it, so this is where I decided to stay for good.” His story is just one of many that highlight the resilience and determination among those seeking a new life.
A Teach-In About Citizenship
While citizenship ceremonies are typically held in traditional courtrooms, this event took a different approach. The judges and lawyers wanted to create a memorable teachable moment for students. Derek Shoemake, from the John Belton O’Neall American Inn of Court, described the significance: “How important it is that we have laws in our country—so what better place to have these people who did it all the right way, worked so hard to become American citizens? What better place to honor them than in an elementary school where we’re teaching these young kids what it means to be an American, what it means to follow rules?”
This thoughtful choice of venue not only highlighted the importance of citizenship but also inspired the younger generation in attendance to understand and appreciate the values associated with being an American.
Sharing Hope and Inspiration
As the ceremony concluded, an air of joy and gratitude lingered, reminding everyone present of the powerful journeys behind each new citizen. This day wasn’t just about papers and oaths; it was about family dreams, hope, and promising futures. For these 29 individuals, the American Dream has taken a significant step closer, marking not an end, but a new beginning in their paths.
