Last month, Nevins Memorial Library’s Great Hall was filled with 48 people who proudly took the Oath of Allegiance to become United States citizens. They arrived from Brazil, Central America, Asia, Africa, Italy, Norway and Lebanon. Most balanced work, life, and extensive studying and testing to get to this point.
With American flags in their hand, all 48 Massachusetts residents – including four from Methuen – stood as Immigration Service Officer Justin Merrifield administered the oath as well as a motion for six to have their names legally changed. All motions were granted and all approved for citizenship by Judge Leo T. Sorokin of the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. The room erupted in loud cheers and plenty of tears.
“We are all citizens and that is what brings us all together. That’s what makes us a country and now you are part of that.” Sorokin said. “It is by that fact of citizenship that you are now Americans and we all stand together.”…