Naturalization is the process whereby a foreign national can become a United States Citizen. The requirements are that the person has to have legally resided in the United States for five years, or if the candidate for citizenship is married to a U.S. citizen, he or she has to have lived here for at least three years. There are also some special rules for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. There is also a test that the candidate must take. I wonder how many of us that are born here could pass that test? I shudder to think.
Anyway, today, I will be at our local ceremony where we will welcome 73 new citizens to our area. I’m proud to be a representative of my country and invited guest. The oath always brings chillbumps to my skin. I love this country and I think it’s wonderful that these new citizens will be welcomed in the week before our national holiday of Thanksgiving.
Jillian Chantal 
I agree. To become a citizen a week before Thanksgiving is fantastic. My aunt, from South Korea, became a citizen thirty years ago. From what I understand, it was a tough test, but she did it and went on to live the “American Dream”.
By: danicaavet on November 18, 2011
at 8:18 am
Good for her. I’ve heard you talk about her and I think it’s great that she be are a citizen
By: Jillian Chantal on November 18, 2011
at 8:31 am
Traveling to other countries gives me a renewed appreciation for our country. Even with all it’s warts I haven’t seen anything to equal it. And, people who choose to become citizens know and love it and unlike I sometimes fall into, don’t take all it offers for granted.
Great post, and great timing to take this story in for Thanksgiving.
By: Lavada Dee on November 18, 2011
at 12:43 pm
You’re absolutely right Lavada. We do have the best country on Earth and we do sometimes take it for granted. I try not to but we all fall into that trap on occasion.
By: Jillian Chantal on November 18, 2011
at 1:19 pm
That has got to be really interesting to be a guest at. I went out and looked at the oath. Makes me feel patriotic. 🙂
By: Laurie Ryan on November 18, 2011
at 10:33 pm
I was going to post the oath but as usual, was in a rush. I’m glad you took the time to find it. It’s quite powerful. Brings tears to my eyes every time.
By: Jillian Chantal on November 19, 2011
at 8:18 am
One of our teacher assistants took the oath several years back and we had a celebration for her at school. It was amazing. She’s from Mexico and is a gift, an asset to this country.
LindaC
By: LindaC on November 19, 2011
at 12:27 pm
I live that you all celebrated with her. How wonderful. And so great that she’s contributing so much to her new homeland.
By: Jillian Chantal on November 19, 2011
at 2:03 pm