PEORIA, Ill. – For 239 people, Friday was the completion of a journey to be a citizen of their new home.
They took part in a naturalization ceremony at Renaissance Coliseum on the campus of Bradley University. There were 57 countries represented in the people taking their citizenship oath.
The nearly hour-long ceremony featured guest speakers; including Bradley University President Stephen Standifird and Congressman Eric Sorensen. After the speakers, the admission of oath was recited.
One of the new citizens is Gissella Gonzalez, a native of Mexico. She’s been in the United States for 16 years after marrying her husband.
Gonzalez says the toughest part after moving to the States was the language barrier, but adds she had the right people to help her along the way.
“It has been an adventure, I will say that. But it is worth it,” Gonzalez said.
Thesalee Hunter was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Ten years ago, she came to America to study at college in Florida and met her husband there. She was excited to complete the journey to citizenship.
“I get to be American just like the rest of my family. My kids are so proud and so happy that I did this,” Hunter said.
