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Naturalization Ceremony Welcomes New U.S. Citizens at the Griffin Museum of Science And Industry

Naturalization Ceremony Welcomes New U.S. Citizens at the Griffin Museum of Science And Industry

This story was originally published by Borderless Magazine. Sign up for the newsletter to get the latest on Chicago’s immigrant communities.

CHICAGO – After a long process of paperwork, learning and waiting, Gideon Amponsah finally became a U.S. citizen. Originally from Ghana, the law student was grateful and eager for the opportunity to help the country in any way he could.

“I hope to serve the country to the best of my ability in every capacity available to me,” he said. “It could be jury duty. It could run for office one day.”

Amponsah was among nearly 150 people from 56 countries who were naturalized during a ceremony Friday morning at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park.

Dr. Chevy Humphrey, the museum’s president and CEO, gave the opening remarks and praised the new residents for completing their courageous and arduous journey.

“Those of you who are taking this final step on your path to citizenship represent the embodiment of this dream that transcends borders and brings together people from every corner of the world today,” she said.

New American citizens take the oath of allegiance during the naturalization ceremony at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Dec. 13, 2024. Credit: Oscar Gomez/Borderless Magazine

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Chief Judge Virgina Kendall of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois joined Humphrey.

During the ceremony, speakers reflected on their own families’ immigration stories and congratulated the candidates on their similar achievements. The ceremony celebrated the journey for some, who spoke about the pride they feel as new Americans.

New residents gathered with their families after the ceremony as part of the “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” event. The exhibit, a museum fixture since 1942, featured more than 50 Christmas trees decorated to reflect diverse cultures and holiday traditions from around the world.

In her remarks, Humphrey announced that every new citizen would receive a free museum membership for one year in hopes that they would be able to explore the museum’s resources.

“It fits with this naturalization because you don’t lose your culture, who you are and where you come from,” she said. “They actually celebrate it in this incredible, free country.”

During the ceremony, some were brought to tears as they were overcome with emotion after a long journey to citizenship.

“I am so happy and excited,” said a new citizen named Yeong Ju Jo. “Now I want to dedicate my life to the church, God and my neighbors.”

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