CHETSERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — On Thursday, 58 people were sworn-in as new American citizens at Henricus Historical Park. The new citizens were born in 31 different countries. The emotional ceremony was the first of it’s kind held at Henricus Historical Park.
“I am really really happy,” says Dawris De La Cruz, as he smiled from ear to ear. De La Cruz was born in the Dominican Republic and Thursday’s accomplishment means his frequent trips to his native country to see his wife, may soon be coming to an end.
“I have my wife, my wife is in my country and being a citizen helps me a lot to bring her over here, so I am really happy,” says Dawris De La Cruz.
The event was also filled with people who came to celebrate a milestone with their family members. Children were also in the crowd. For many, naturalization means a new and better life for generations to come.
“I love this country, because when I came here like 15 years ago, I came here with high school diploma and now I have a bachelor’s degree in business from VCU , so this is second chance country,” says Ahmed Hagagg who came to support his wife who just became a new citizen. The couple who is from Egypt, says their two young children will now be able to attend college or live out any of their dreams.
The 58 new citizens were presented with naturalization certificates. They will now have many rights, including the right to vote, and obtain an U.S. passport.
