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New U.S. citizens speak of love for country, heightened urgency

As 72 north suburban Chicago residents took their oaths of U.S. citizenship, many spoke of love for their new country and opportunities for their family, though some said the political climate had created a heightened urgency for them to seek citizenship.

Alma Castaneda, of Mundelein, has lived in the United States 26 of her 28 years, but didn’t feel pressure to become a citizen until after the presidential election, she said shortly before becoming a citizen in the Northbrook Public Library ceremony.

‘”I think after the presidential election, it hit me,” said Castaneda, who was born in Mexico. “It struck me that I want to make sure I am part of this country. This is my home now, and I don’t want that taken away.”

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-10th, who gave the keynote speech to the new Americans, said after the library auditorium had emptied that discussions in the last two years about immigration policy have driven people toward seeking citizenship.

“The nation has been a refuge from persecution, and a place to raise a family and seek opportunities and pursue dreams,” he said. “In the current political climate, we have to search for ways to work to aggressively defend that.”

Tom Cioppa, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Chicago district director said that “citizenship applications have picked up across the board over the last two years.”

The total number of naturalizations rose from 654,949 in 2014 to 729,995 in 2015, and 741, 548 through the first three quarters of 2016, according to USCIS.

One after another, the new citizens from 29 different countries said they had applied in the last three months of 2016, though most denied any direct relationship to the election.

Wilfredo Carrillo, formerly of Colombia, said that citizenship was part of his plans for security for his family of four.

“It’s not so important for me. I’m 58,” said the Antioch resident. “But it’s important for the future of my family.”

He and his wife Vilma have two sons, 14 and 13, and his citizenship, the couple said, will lead to theirs.

With the filing of a few forms, USCIS Congressional Liaison Anita Goss-Fields said, foreign-born children of a naturalized citizen can become citizens, too.

The Carillos only need one citizen parent, but Vilma Carillo said that she, too, has passed the test, and hopes to soon be a citizen.

“It will be a better life for us,” she said.

Ignacio Rivera, a Mexican immigrant living in Zion, has lived in the United States for 50 years, but didn’t apply for citizenship until Nov. 22, he said. His daughter Araceli, his translator, said that he had previously taken English classes, but found them difficult and put off citizenship.

But she said he decided last fall to take advantage of one of the USCIS exceptions to the English requirement. It kicks in if the applicant is age 50 or over, and has lived as a permanent resident – a “green card” holder – for 20 years. Another exception is for those 55 or older with 15 years of residency.

“I want to stay,” Rivera said.

Others who had applied for citizenship said their love for their adopted country stemmed from the welcoming environment.

“I trust America’s political system,” said Oscar Sanchez, a Waukegan resident from Mexico. The 16-year U.S. resident said that he admired Americans for their tolerance.

“You have to love America, for its legal protections, its tolerance. I’m blessed to be part of America. You can never take it for granted,” he said.

Lake Bluff resident Catherine Clarkson, who emigrated from England 11 years ago, said she agreed.

“I felt so embraced by the people,” Clarkson said. “So warm and welcoming.”

Eight-year U.S. resident Giovanni Frezza of Italy said, “As soon as I was eligible, I applied. I love this country.” He said he also still loves Italy, but “I want to vote, and make opportunities for my wife and family.”

ileavitt@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @IrvLeavitt