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New U.S. citizens proud to be American: 26 people naturalized in Portsmouth ceremony [Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, N.H. :: ](Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, NH) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 11--PORTSMOUTH -- Lee Greenwood was not the only one "Proud to be an American" Thursday as 26 new U.S. citizens began their journey to embrace the American Dream. For Hannah Cardosi, 45, who hails from Kenya, part of that dream is putting her daughter through college and living happily in the United States with her husband, a computer software technician. Cardosi was one of more than two dozen new citizens welcomed to the country during Thursday's 20th anniversary naturalization ceremony at the National Visa Center in Portsmouth. Formerly a teacher in Kenya, Cardosi now lives in Hudson and is pursuing her teaching degree while working three jobs here in the states. She has lived here for five years. On Thursday she was joined by her boss, who traveled to Portsmouth from Boston with his wife to show their support. Dressed in blue and waving her American flag, she sang along to the national anthem and "America The Beautiful" after hearing from officials and viewing a message from President Barack Obama. "I'm excited because I've now become part of the United States family," she said. "It's a great mission and one to be proud of." Kicking off the ceremony with remarks and a presentation of the colors, National Visa Center Director Kim Kelly greeted the new citizens with a warm welcome. "It's a tremendous honor to be here today as you take the last step toward becoming U.S. citizens," she said. She said officials of the Visa Center know the process of immigration can be a complicated one, noting the ceremony was not the end of the each individual's journey, but the beginning of it. "I never cease to be amazed at the diversity of our country," she said. The group consisting of 26 individuals from 15 countries confirmed her statement. With everyone raising their right hand, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Denis Riordan read the Oath of Allegiance with new citizens repeating his remarks. "I've never felt more pride than I do at this moment," he said. Noting that many who took the oath had left their families and friends and everything familiar behind in their home countries, he also acknowledged how intimidating taking the first steps toward citizenship can be. "I'm sure the heart was beating a little bit when you went in there," he said of the initial interview with a USCIS representative. "But you succeeded." One of those who succeeded was Australian native Raylene Davis, 57. She's been in the states for 17 years employed at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro. She said the states are similar to Australia in many ways. "The United States is an economic powerhouse," she said. Director of the Manchester Field House Office Anthony Violanti conducted a call of countries followed by a presentation of candidates for citizenship. The Spaulding High School JROTC ended the ceremony following "America the Beautiful" sung by the National Visa Center Quartet. Each year, the USCIS welcomes approximately 680,000 citizens during naturalization ceremonies across the country and around the world. "We welcome you today not as immigrants," Riordan said, encouraging the U.S. citizens to always celebrate their traditions and to not forget their past. "We're a stronger country than we were a few minutes ago," he said. ___ (c)2014 the Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.) Visit the Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.) at www.fosters.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |