A group of twenty immigrants from 17 different countries pledged allegiance in Central Florida during one of many naturalization events held across the country on July 4th. Igor Tolstov, a professional skydiver from Russia, was among the new citizens who took part in the ceremony at Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, Florida. Tolstov, who has been skydiving for over 40 years, described becoming an American citizen as his biggest leap of faith, even more significant than his solo free-fall from Russia in 2017.
The naturalization ceremony was attended by family and friends of the new citizens, as well as volunteers and officials. Retired law school professor Robert McIntosh and Middle District of Florida Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price both spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of citizenship and the contributions of immigrants to the nation. The ceremony concluded with the new citizens registering to vote, symbolizing their active participation in American democracy.
Among the new citizens was Roshin Roy, a computer science student from India, who expressed his excitement at the opportunity to contribute to his new country. Registered nurse Maya Green, originally from Thailand, also shared her journey to citizenship, highlighting the sense of family and belonging she has found in the United States. Annalee Brown, a caregiver from Jamaica, reflected on her experience living in the U.S. for 11 years and expressed concern for her loved ones in Jamaica following a recent hurricane.
Overall, the naturalization ceremony in Apopka served as a celebration of diversity, unity, and the American dream realized for each of the twenty new citizens. Becoming a citizen is a significant milestone for many individuals, as it symbolizes a new chapter in their lives. One woman expressed that it meant a lot to her, although she admitted to feeling a bit nervous. When asked what she would do as a new citizen, she paused before saying she needed to think about it, but then quickly added that she would celebrate.
Doron Tordjman, who has been in the United States for 43 years, decided to become a citizen after realizing that it was time to make it official. He and his wife knew exactly what his first act as an “official” American would be – getting a burger. Mathias Cuello, who came to the United States from Argentina when he was 10 years old, saw becoming a citizen as an opportunity to pursue his career goals, such as obtaining a job at the Federal Aviation Administration.
As the crowd exited the center after the naturalization ceremony, Mr. Cuello reflected on the importance of citizenship, stating that his legacy and future are deeply tied to the United States. The atmosphere was peaceful, with butterflies fluttering around the shrubs in bloom, as individuals celebrated their newfound citizenship and looked forward to the opportunities that lay ahead.
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