Smiles behind a mask, becoming an American citizen during COVID
Simple celebrations that we took for granted were taken from us. No longer we were able to surround ourselves with friends and family. Things that brought us joy were gone. Something that else that we take for granted not affected by the pandemic is our American birthright.
A year into the pandemic, some had their naturalization ceremony, without the fanfare that comes along with such an honor. In a room full of silence, strangers were separated 6 feet apart with smiles hidden behind their mask, with a judge presiding remotely from a TV screen. The only thing allowed in the room was a mask, documents, and their joy. Their own pride and excitement united the participants in a single oath.
A year into the pandemic, some had their naturalization ceremony, without the fanfare that comes along with such an honor. In a room full of silence, strangers were separated 6 feet apart with smiles hidden behind their mask, with a judge presiding remotely from a TV screen. The only thing allowed in the room was a mask, documents, and their joy. Their own pride and excitement united the participants in a single oath.
Jose Eloy Arellano (Left) waited a long time for this day in Harlingen, TX. He took his seat in a large, but mostly empty room with other people at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services offices in the Rio Grande Valley on March 17, 2021.
Like everyone else, Jose Eloy Arellano sat six feet apart and had to wear a mask in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services offices. Usually an event celebrated with friends and family, they had to wait outside due to the pandemic.
One of the thirty participants to be naturalized Wednesday morning, Lena Cabrera takes the Oath of Allegiance. Originally from Mexico, Cabrera said the reason she become a citizen was because of the opportunities.
Norberto Echemendia, who comes from Cuba, said the moment was one his happiest memories. Outside the office, Echemendia stopped to pose for a picture holding his certificate.
Echemendia a local business owner owns a cuban restaurant. Holding up his card, Echemedia has been serving cuban food in the Rio Grande Valley for the last five years.
Posing with his family, Echemenida greeted his family outside the office. His wife has been naturalized, along with his daughter. His son was born in the United States. "It's a big, very big because we are happy," said Echemendia.
Posing with his document and flag Arellano was one of Mexican natives to be naturalized. It took Arellano a native of Zacatecas, Mexico five months to complete the process. "It was tough due to the pandemic," said Arellano.
Waiting for him as he stepped outside as an American citizen, Arellano was greeted by his family. Giving him hugs and kisses sharing his accomplishment as a family. Even though they separated because of the pandemic the pride and joy still remained.