President Joe Sopcich congratulating JCCC student Hassan Fikri on becoming an American citizen.
Photo by Anya Ivantseva.
More than 900 individuals flooded Yardley Hall with their presence, smiles and emotions as 250 people took the oath of citizenship at the college.
Immigrants from 65 countries and backgrounds, including four of the college’s students, took their first steps as an American as the Honorable Judge Julie A. Robinson, a local US district court magistrate judge, led the ceremony.
Many who took the oath of citizenship arrived to America to escape the oppression of their country; tears of joy filled the auditorium as individuals raised their right hand, holding the American flag as they took part in this life-changing experience.
President Joe Sopcich joined the lineup, discussing his family background. The ceremony was followed by a sing-along of the national anthem.
The commemoration took place on Wednesday, March 18 in Yardley Hall in the Carlsen Center.