Surrounded by family members and public supporters, 25 Oregonians from 11 countries became U.S citizens July 30 at Eugene’s Wayne Lyman Morse Courthouse. Encompassing five continents, the countries included Mexico, New Zealand, Columbia, Czech Republic, Canada, England, El Salvador, Vietnam, Brazil, China and the Philippines.
The naturalization ceremony happens four times a year in Eugene and Portland hosts the formality one weekend each month, the only two locations in Oregon that do so regularly. Courtroom benches were packed and cheers were abundant as many waited patiently to celebrate the citizenship of loved ones who have been living in the country for years.
Alejandra Martinez, who was born in Mexico, was officially welcomed into the U.S. surrounded by her children and extended family. Her husband, Gustavo Sandoval, became a citizen in the same room 12 years ago, but without any family present. Gustavo said he was happy to watch Martinez become naturalized while surrounded by loved ones, and he felt lucky to recollect on the moment he was granted citizenship…