Nearly 820,000 people pledged allegiance to the United States and became naturalized citizens in 2024.

Renouncing allegiance to any foreign power, they promised to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, taking up arms if required by law.

Some of the most recent newcomers were welcomed in naturalization ceremonies in Indianapolis and South Bend, Indiana, on June 26 and June 27.

Those 148 new Americans hailed from 44 countries and ranged in age from 18 to 71. They were drawn to the United States for numerous reasons.

What drew them? For some, it was an opportunity for education, employment, or simply to make their own way in the world.

A surprising number were drawn by the heart. They had fallen in love with an American or wanted to be reunited with a daughter or mother or family.

And some came as refugees. They arrived here hoping to escape war-torn countries or oppressive governments.

Nearly all defaulted to a single word in describing what America means to them: Freedom.

Freedom

Immigrants come to the United States from nearly every part of the world, including war-ravaged countries, where daily life is punctuated by violence.

Aime Mbazumutima, 33, came to the United States nine years ago to escape the violence in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There, he said, there was “fighting every day.”

“It’s a great achievement,” he said about receiving citizenship. “It is my dream come true.”

Tulang Za Thai, 19, came to the United States from Burma (also known as Myanmar), where a civil war is ongoing, in search of a better life. His journey to American citizenship was motivated by “opportunities and freedom,” he said.

For Quoc Dimh, 26, of Vietnam, freedom means freedom of speech, something he did not have in his communist home country.

U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II spoke enthusiastically about the contribution that naturalized citizens make to the county.

“Each of you has a different story but your shared love of freedom, liberty, and equality has brought you together to this place,” Sweeney told the new citizens in Indianapolis.

In a 2006 address to the nation, Bush said, “The success of our country depends upon helping newcomers assimilate into our society, and embrace our common identity as Americans.”

To qualify for naturalized citizenship, a person must be 18 or older, a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years if married to a citizen), be physically present in the country for the preceding 30 months, live in their state of residence for three months, pass a civics test, and be able to read, write, and speak English.

Minor children of citizens may already qualify.

Opportunity

Freedom means opportunity for some new Americans, such as Benjamin Ndori, 18, who came from Rwanda. He arrived with his family in 2011 when Rwanda was still dealing with the aftermath of the genocide that had happened 17 years before.

The best thing about living in the United States is that he gets “a chance to pursue a good education,” Ndori told The Epoch Times.

Reuben Rangel, 36, came to the United States from Mexico, partly because his daughter is a U.S. citizen. He now works at a Mexican restaurant but has a larger vision for himself.

“I want to open my own restaurant and make my dream real,” he said.

A strong work ethic is common among immigrants, some of whom work two or three jobs according to Sweeney.

In his conversations with immigrants, the judge has learned why many of them are willing to labor so tirelessly once they are here.

“They’ve told me: ‘In our country, we could work hard and get nothing for it. Not here,’” Sweeney said.

Community

Opportunity brings many people to the United States, and some of them find love in the bargain. Matters of the heart play a prominent role in many immigrant stories.

Daniel Gonzalez Tolentino came to the United States from Peru at age 17 to get an education. In college, he met his future wife, Morgan Newcomb, and decided to stay.

The decision to leave his native country was difficult, Tolentino said. But “she made it easier.” The couple, now in their mid-30s, have a 4-month-old child.

“I think in the beginning, it was kind of hard because you’re still young,” Newcomb said, noting that now, the choice seems obvious.

Tolentino agreed.

“My focus is this little one here,” he said, indicating his daughter. “[I want to] provide the best life for her family, and hopefully more and more kids.”

The choice to leave one’s homeland is not easy, as Federal Judge Scott J. Frankel pointed out in remarks to new citizens. “I imagine for some, it’s a bittersweet day,” he said, mentioning the decision to emigrate and find one’s way in a new place.

Referring to taking the oath of U.S. citizenship, Frankel said, “By doing so, you become part of a shared community and something larger than yourself.”

Joy Otuyemi, 23, came to the United States for love.

“My husband was here,” she said of her journey from Nigeria. “I wanted to start a family ... It was hard to leave my family.”

She said she hopes to have them join her here someday.

Otuyemi is a student at the University of Cincinnati and is interested in elder care.

“I like to take care of older people,” she said.

Mitra Majumdar, 35, came from Bangladesh to study architecture at Ball State University. Then, she fell in love; first with the people of Indiana and then with one Hoosier in particular.

After graduation, she found work in the nearby city of Marion and met her future husband, Matt Elkins.

Majumdar admitted that she sometimes misses the cuisine of her native land but she said she likes American food, too, especially the comfort food of the heartland. Her favorites?

“Biscuits and gravy,” she said. “And breaded pork tenderloin.”

Passing the Torch

At the close of the ceremony in South Bend, Frankel reminded the new citizens that they now have a stake in America’s future.

In words reminiscent of President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address, Frankel told the newcomers, “It’s up to you to take on the mantle of democracy.”

“Freedom is a fragile thing and must be protected by each generation of Americans,” Frankel said.

After the Indianapolis event, Sweeney reflected on the great variety of ages, backgrounds, and experiences represented by the new Americans, and especially their joy at becoming citizens. “I wish that every American could see a naturalization ceremony,” he said.

To birthright citizens, the judge offers this advice: “Don’t take it for granted. People give up a lot to come to this country. We should ask ourselves, ‘Why is that?’”

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname Tolentino. The Epoch Times regrets the error.