In a heartwarming display of American unity and celebration, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks game recently hosted a naturalization ceremony, welcoming 19 new U.S. citizens. The event took place at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, North Dakota, and marked an important milestone for the individuals who had worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.
The atmosphere was a mix of nerves and excitement as the new citizens gathered to take their oath surrounded by a stadium full of people. After a delay caused by rain, they stood near first base and pledged their allegiance to their new country. It was a powerful moment that filled the air with hope and optimism.
U.S. District Judge Peter Welte, who attended the event, expressed his joy at being part of such a wonderfully happy night. He emphasized that moments like these are among the happiest duties that a judge has. While courtrooms often showcase people experiencing the worst days of their lives, events like this provide an opportunity to witness individuals having one of the best nights of their lives.
One attendee, Kiranjeet Brar, shared her overwhelming happiness about the ceremony. She and her husband planned to join their son and his friends in the stands to enjoy the baseball game after the event. The combination of becoming American citizens and experiencing the quintessential American pastime made the occasion even more memorable.
The significance of holding the naturalization ceremony before a baseball game was not lost on U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal, who conducted the ceremony. She mentioned how powerful it was to host this event just before a game, considering that many American baseball players originally come from other countries. It aptly showcased the multicultural fabric of the United States.
Trina Swanson, the field office director for the Minneapolis Field Office for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration, highlighted the lengthy journey most people take to become citizens. Before applying, individuals typically need to hold a green card in the U.S. for five years or three years with a marriage license to an American citizen. The path to citizenship requires determination and dedication.
One individual who had worked towards citizenship for 11 years is Jun In. He arrived at the stadium straight after work, reflecting that it felt like any other day in Fargo. Despite his busy schedule, he made sure to attend the naturalization ceremony, underlining the importance of the moment.
Swanson expressed her deep honor for the efforts made by each of the 19 individuals who chose to become American citizens instead of simply holding onto their green cards. She mentioned how she still gets emotional watching them take their oaths, despite having hosted numerous similar ceremonies before.
Following the ceremony, the new citizens gathered in a circle behind the stands. They were handed their citizenship certificates along with instructions on how to register to vote, among other things. While some left soon after, many decided to stay and enjoy the rest of the baseball game, their smiles reflecting the joy and pride they felt as America’s newest citizens.
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks game not only provided an entertaining sports event but also served as the backdrop for a profound and life-changing experience. The naturalization ceremony, steeped in tradition and symbolism, was a testament to the values and opportunities that the United States offers to those who are willing to call it home.
