A naturalization ceremony took place on September 17 in the Eldon B. Mahon U.S. Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth, where dozens of new citizens completed the final step of their immigration process. Robert Albritton, chairman of the Texas A&M System, served as the keynote speaker for the event, which coincided with both Citizenship Day and Constitution Day.
Albritton emphasized that the nation’s strength lies in a shared commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law, rather than uniformity in background or belief.
The group of new citizens represented a wide range of nationalities, including the Philippines, Afghanistan, Brazil, Burma, China, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iraq, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the path to citizenship often spans three to six years, a duration that does not include the time required to initially obtain a green card.
The ceremony included a presentation of colors by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets color guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, followed by the recitation of the Oath of Allegiance.
Queenie Belle Estrada-Pass, a 31-year-old from the Philippines, described her six-year journey to citizenship as an emotional roller coaster. She credited her husband and family for helping her navigate the complex paperwork and uncertainty. Estrada-Pass attended the ceremony with her husband and their 18-month-old daughter, expressing gratitude for finally completing the process.
Darell Moreno, a 34-year-old from Mexico, stated that the primary motivation for enduring the nearly decade-long process was securing a more stable future for her children and husband. After receiving her certificate from U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman, Moreno said she planned to pick up her children from school and enjoy a celebratory dinner with her family.
