News Summary
During a recent naturalization ceremony in Knoxville, 148 individuals from 53 countries were awarded U.S. citizenship. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon praised the city’s diversity and urged new citizens to embrace their responsibilities. Stories of perseverance were shared, including those of immigrants like Anggie Osorio and Hanna Bentley. The event underscores Knoxville’s dedication to celebrating new citizens and their contributions while acknowledging the broader challenges in the immigration landscape.
Knoxville – One hundred forty-eight individuals from 53 different countries became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony held at the City County Building on Wednesday morning. The ceremony was attended by families and friends who filled nearly every seat in the main assembly room, providing support to their loved ones as they took an important step in their lives.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon delivered encouraging remarks, highlighting the city’s reputation as a welcoming community that honors and celebrates diverse cultures. She urged the new citizens to work diligently and uphold their responsibilities as Americans as part of their journey in earning citizenship.
Among the newly naturalized citizens was Anggie Osorio, who completed her six-year process to become a U.S. citizen. Originally from Colombia, Osorio expressed her excitement and disbelief at finally achieving this status. Currently a nursing student, she noted that mastering the English language was her greatest challenge during this journey. Osorio also shared her concerns related to immigration issues, mentioning that her family in Colombia is unable to visit her in America.
Hanna Bentley, a participant from Vietnam, also shared her pride in attaining U.S. citizenship. Bentley’s husband, Bryan, expressed their shared pride in American values and discussed their aspirations as new citizens. Their relationship blossomed through connections made on Facebook while fostering a genuine bond over multiple trips to Vietnam, leading to their engagement and marriage.
Michael Custodio, another new citizen, is currently serving in the U.S. Army, a factor he believes facilitated his naturalization process. Desi Dratus reflected on the eight-year struggle to citizenship, emphasizing the process’s significance and his relief upon achieving it.
In addition to the 148 new citizens, approximately 200 immigrants from over 48 countries participated in a follow-up naturalization ceremony in East Tennessee, which was attended by several local officials. Tracy Nguyn, who became a U.S. citizen at the age of 24, described her new identity as a rebirth, expressing confidence in her new role within the community. Nguyn moved to Tennessee from California after living in the U.S. for seven years and is currently pursuing nursing studies.
Knoxville hosts naturalization ceremonies a few times a year, fostering an environment that celebrates new citizens and their contributions. Former Mayor Madeline Rogero reiterated the significance of sharing immigration stories, highlighting the importance of recognizing the diverse backgrounds that contribute to the local community.
The broader context surrounding immigration has seen challenges, particularly regarding federal policies and family separations at the U.S. border, which have made the pursuit of citizenship more complex and emotional for many applicants. New citizens like Julius Habiyaremye and Sylvia Iradukunda celebrated their recently awarded citizenship after enduring significant struggles, showing their excitement about the rights and opportunities they now have as citizens.
Pedro Brena shared that his journey to citizenship took 19 years, emphasizing the opportunities and security citizenship brings for his family. Each individual’s story illustrates the diverse experiences and aspirations of immigrants striving to create a new life in the United States.
The emotional and significant event showcased Knoxville’s commitment to embracing diversity, fostering an atmosphere of welcome and acceptance for newcomers, and honoring the achievements and contributions that immigrants make to the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Knoxville Celebrates Over 80 New American Citizens
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Tennessee New Naturalized Citizens
- Wikipedia: Naturalization in the United States
- WATE: 148 People Naturalized as Citizens in Knoxville Ceremony
- Google Search: Naturalization Ceremony Knoxville
- WBIR: 80 People Become Naturalized U.S. Citizens in Knoxville Ceremonies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Citizenship
- Knox News: East Tennessee Immigrants Become U.S. Citizens
- Google News: Immigration and Naturalization
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
