HARTFORD, Conn. — The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services held a naturalization ceremony at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford Thursday night.
The event marked the third time the ceremony was held at the park on Independence Day.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal was there to greet the candidates, and United States Magistrate Judge Robert Richardson administered the Oath of Allegiance.
“What could be more American than new citizens on July Fourth in a ballpark? All we need is apple pie,” said Blumenthal.
The new citizens come from 15 different countries: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, India, Italy, Jamaica, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, and United Kingdom. For many of them, it’s been a years-long process filled with eligibility requirements, lots of studying and a citizenship test and interview.
Stephen Carby of Jamaica said, “It’s been quite a while, it’s taken me nine years. I’m feeling great, especially on the holiday, July Fourth, I’m very excited.”
“A lot of work to be here today. I’m just grateful for everything, for this moment for the whole moment and [what] this country will give to us, for me and for my family,” said Felicitas Ortega, another new U.S. Citizen.
Ortega was accompanied by her husband and three sons, who were all sharing in her pride.
“Proud wouldn’t be the word. I’m beyond proud of my mother she’s done a lot for us. As three brothers, I think we overcame a lot of stuff together with the help of our mom especially and she’s worked so hard to get to this point. It feels very patriotic,” said Leonardo Maita, Ortega’s son.
In true American fashion, the ceremony was followed by a baseball game. The Hartford Yard Goats faced off against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at home.
This naturalization ceremony was a home run for all involved.
“Happy July Fourth, my fellow Americans,” said Blumenthal.
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Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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