A group of 50 new citizens was sworn in at the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse Thursday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Monte Richardson.
The new citizens originated from more than 30 different countries. In this class, the U.S. gained the most new citizens from the Philippines (10), while Ukraine, India and Colombia (three each) were also popular countries to relocate from. But, it was a person from Ethiopia who grabbed Richardson’s attentions as they each stated what country they are from.
“We’ve got someone from Ethiopia here? (The Jacksonville Bar Association President) Mike Freed and I are big fans of international cuisine and I certainly love Ethiopian food, so we hope you are going to open a restaurant,” said Richardson.
The new citizen explained that he had already opened a restaurant on Atlantic Boulevard.
“Is that Queen of Sheba? I go there once a week,” said Richardson, as the crowd laughed at the coincidence.
Following the oath of citizenship, Richardson talked about the significance of taking that oath.
“Citizenship is not a right, but it is a responsibility,” said Richardson. “Our very democracy depends on an engaged citizenry. It’s simply not enough to pay taxes and vote. Now, more than ever, we need your most precious commodity, your time.”
“Join your local neighborhood associations. Join your school board. Tutor a child. Run for a political office,” said Richardson.
Freed recognized the value of the variety of cultures new citizens bring to the U.S. before introducing the keynote speaker.
“You make our country and our community a lot richer through the rich cultures and traditions that you bring to our community,” said Freed.
Roland Falcon was born in Havana, Cuba in 1957, but has become a U.S. citizen licensed to practice law in both Florida and Texas.
“We are not a nation that has one culture. We have many cultures all integrated for the benefit of our country and ourselves,” said Falcon. “The United States grew to be the greatest nation in the history of man from waves of immigration of people from many cultures and many languages.”
The ceremony included an opportunity to sign up to vote, a discussion of documentation necessary to the naturalization process and the swearing in of the new citizens.
The citizens were also welcomed by Michael Fackler, vice president of membership for the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, The National Society of Sons of the American Revolution, The Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio.
The next naturalization ceremony scheduled at the federal courthouse is Oct. 27.
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