Posted on 11/18/2014 6:42:03 AM PST by don-o
Sgt. Gustavo Antonio Arroliga-Lopez, a Marine recruiter in Woodbridge and a native of Nicaragua, takes the Oath of Allegiance during Monday’s naturalization ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Four Marines were among the 26 newest citizens hailing from 20 different countries. (Photo by John Hollis ) Four Marines were among the group of 26 candidates from 20 different countries to officially become American citizens during Monday’s naturalization ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Leon Rodriguez, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, administered the Oath of Allegiance and presented each of the candidates for naturalization before a large crowd of family and friends.
The fact that the ceremony fell on the 239th birthday of the Marine Corps and on the eve of Veterans Day was an added bonus, said Sgt. Gustavo Antonio Arroliga-Lopez, Marine recruiter in Woodbridge.
“It means a lot to me because not only am I becoming a U.S. citizen, but also because it’s the birthday of the Marine Corps,” he said. “That makes it so much more special.”
As part of the conditions required for citizenship, candidates were tested on their ability to speak and write English, as well their knowledge of American history and government.
The ceremony, which is believed to be the first of its kind at the NMMC, was one of the nearly 40 the USCIS is holding for service members, military spouses and veterans across the country from Nov. 7-14 to welcome 3,000 new citizens.
Since September 2002, USCIS has naturalized more than 102,000 service members, including individuals serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Germany, Japan and elsewhere, according to the organization’s website.
“So many journeys here today,” said Rodriguez, who referred to his own parents immigrating to America from Cuba in 1961, “but we are all united in a belief in America and a commitment to service.”
Arroliga-Lopez, a 31-year-old native of Nicaragua, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2007 and has faithfully served America in Afghanistan, Germany and Malaysia among other places.
“This nation has given me so much,” said Arroliga-Lopez, who was joined by his wife, mother and several of his fellow Marine recruiters. “It was the least could do.”
Cpl. Jose Arroyo, administrator, Weapons Training Battalion, echoed similar thoughts about his love for America and the debt he owes her after coming here from his native Costa Rica in 1997.
“This really means a lot to me,” he said. “It’s the next step in my career and it’s a way that I could give back to the United States for all it’s done for me.”
That’s a path to citizenship I can support.
/johnny
An we have been doing it since the 2nd World War in 1957 we had at Wheelus AFB Libya squadron mail rooms. Ours was run by 2 guys 1 from Ecuador and the second from Brazil when there hitch was up they were granted citizenship and allowed to cross train into aircraft maintenance...
Beats sneaking across the border illegally.
/johnny
They came here legally and had green cards. Illegal aliens are not permitted in the military until Obama’s recent executive order. We are now downsizing the military forcing people out yet we are including illegal aliens to compete with American citizens and those immigrants here legally.
I don’t support this. Do you want our military run by foreigners?
Federal Service Guarantees Citizenship
How in the wide world of sports do you get such a kooky idea from this action?
According to the article, they also had to pass the test.
Semper Fi!
Civics? How many public school students are required to take civics? This is RACIST!/s.
Welcome, Marines. As proud of you now as I am that you graduated boot.
Rome burns while Obama fiddles around. This is a repeat of the fall of rome.
Do you like cheese?
Depends on dedication and how hard they fight.
Leon Rodriguez, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Chumps for doing it the legal way. Come illegally, pay no taxes, collect welfare, vote, free education, with none of the hassle of being a citizen.
Of course I am being facetious. This is how my grandfather became a citizen. Enlisted during WW2.
I came to this thread with my mind already made up about those who earn their citizenship. My husband used to tell me about the men he proudly served with, who were earning their citizenship in the Army. I’m not likely to change my mind because somebody on the Internet thinks there should be zero immigration, and only natural born citizens should be allowed to serve. I’m grateful to anyone who serves honorably in our military. I think it’s a good idea to allow them to apply for citizenship, the legal way. I believe an applicant’s personal history should be a consideration. Honorable service in our military should count in their favor. A lot. I stand by that, without apology.
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