Travis Airmen become naturalized citizens

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Six individuals with origins from all around the world took their seats Friday at the Airman and Family Readiness Center in anticipation of the ceremony that would allow them to walk out American citizens.

While all Naturalization Ceremonies are impactful to the participants, the military naturalization ceremonies that take place at the Airman and Family Readiness Center symbolize the new citizenship of service members, and their family members, who have sworn an oath to protect this nation while still considered immigrants.

"Today America becomes more than your home, it is now your country," said Mari-Carmen Jordan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director.

The six participants hailed from Haiti, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines and Mexico.

Airman 1st Class Kapil Tiwari, 60th Aerial Port Squadron travel management office, had the opportunity to leave his home country of Nepal to come to America when he won a lottery based program.

"It is everybody's dream to come to America," he said. "People from Nepal respect people who are able to make it to America."

Tiwari arrived in America for the first time in January 2010, with dreams of attending a university. He soon found the employers at his initial gas station clerk job provided little time for studying.

This realization prompted Tiwari to take his life in another direction. In January, he enlisted in the Air Force.

The Air Force cares about education, Tiwari said. He can go to work and at the end of the day still find time for his education. He believes there's definitely a long-term career for him in the Air Force.

Travis is Tiwari's first duty station; he has been here for five months while the rest of his family resides in Nepal.

Though Tiwari's family could not attend, there was no lack of support. Coworkers and supporters from around base packed the room and cheered in recognition of the new citizens at the completion of the ceremony.

The Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner, the Oath of Allegiance and the presentation of the citizenship certificates were all regarded in high respect by the audience and participants.

The ceremony gave legal right and citizenship to these individuals who have already carried American patriotism since joining the services, Jordan said.

For more information about military naturalization ceremonies held on Travis, contact the AFRC at 424-2486.