The Joy of New Americans
Briefly

Naturalization ceremonies blend commonplace rituals with deep emotion, showcasing the journey of individuals who waited years to officially claim their rights as American citizens.
The atmosphere varies across locations, from a courtroom in Yuma adorned with patriotic imagery to a Grand Canyon celebration that included apple pie and live music.
For many, these ceremonies symbolize the culmination of extensive personal journeys, with some expressing decades-long commitments to becoming citizens.
Participants reflect on their unique narratives, like a Venezuelan man who connected his early reading experiences to the iconic American landscape surrounding him.
Read at The New Yorker
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