OAKWOOD — Nearly 30 men and women can now legally call America and the Miami Valley home.
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High school students got a front-row seat at the naturalization ceremony.
Oakwood students got a chance to leave the classroom and learn what it takes to become an American citizen.
“We’ve been learning about the constitution at play but I’ve never actually seen it in action,” Many Williams a student at Oakwood High School said.
While watching the naturalization ceremony some students realize other countries may not offer what they take for granted.
“I would ask where they came from and what it was like before. And then talk about how amazing it is for them to be a citizen. I take it for granted a lot, but I know they’ll be happy in this country,” Williams said.
Judges answered students’ questions before the ceremony, emphasizing the effort some may go through to gain American rights.
“They come into the ceremony not US citizens and they leave a half hour later and they’re US citizens with the right to vote and all other freedoms that we all enjoy,” Mike Newman, U.S. District Judge said.
Samuele Babbtoo said he met his American wife when she was working in Italy.
After 10 years of marriage, she brought him home.
“I see as a land of opportunity for everybody. If you have the strength and the desire of doing, you can come here and do,” Babtto said.
The court hosts several remote naturalization ceremonies outside the courthouses throughout the year to connect with the community it serves.
We will continue to follow this story.
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