Naturalization ceremony in Macon welcomes 22 new U.S. citizens from 15 countries
“I always wanted to get to this point to become a citizen," Elizabeth Mendoza said. "And I've been waiting and doing everything that I needed to do in order to achieve this goal.”
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A morning filled with pride and emotion unfolded at the federal courthouse in downtown Macon Wednesday, where 22 people from 15 countries were officially sworn in as new U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony.
The courthouse was packed with friends, family, and supporters as applicants from nations including Iran, Mexico, South Korea, and El Salvador took their oaths of allegiance to the United States.
Among the new citizens is Elizabeth Mendoza, a resident who has waited for this milestone for a very long time.
“I always wanted to get to this point to become a citizen,” she said. “And I’ve been waiting and doing everything that I needed to do in order to achieve this goal.”
Mendoza’s journey to citizenship was filled with challenges, especially adjusting to life in a new country.
“It was very difficult, moving to a new country without speaking the language and like a totally different culture,” she said.
She explained her motivation for relocating to the U.S. was driven by the search for better job opportunities and safety, citing gang violence in her native El Salvador.
“There was a lot of gang members, and it was dangerous,” she said. “Living over there was very dangerous.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported two dangerous MS-13 leaders and 250 members of Tren de Aragua back to El Salvador to face justice.
The ceremony was presided over by Judge Tilman Self III, who delivered a powerful message on unity.
“We don’t have second-class citizens in America,” he said. “They are just as much citizens and as American as any of us, which is more important than anything else.”
Mendoza also shared a message of encouragement for others who may be on the path to citizenship.
“If you have the opportunity to become a citizen, do it. Don’t be afraid. It might take a little while, but it is worth it,” she said.
