BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Editor in Chief/Investigative Reporter
The United States of America has been a country that has invited people from all over the world to come and become a part of our history. This country offers something that other countries DO NOT offer… CITIZENSHIP. You can move to another country and live there but you cannot become a citizen of that country.
There is a process people have to go through to LEGALLY become an American citizen which involves several key steps. Explanations of the following steps can be found on line at https://www.immigrationdirect.com
Determine Eligibility, Complete Form N-400, Biometrics Appointment, Interview and Citizenship Test, Receive a Decision, Oath of Allegiance. Keep in mind, following these steps can take several months to over a year depending individual circumstances.
79 people who went through this process finished it on April 10, 2026, at the Fire Training Center in Pomona when they were given some final paperwork to register to vote and other information they will need. The only thing left for them to do was take the Oath of Allegiance.
The Honorable Judge Larry J. Schwartz, Justice of the Supreme Court had the role of emcee for the ceremony.
“One of the most important days of your lives, the day you become American citizens. At this time our distinguished veterans will advance the colors.” The American and Marine Corps flags were brought up to and placed in stands by the stage.
Schwartz then introduced all of the distinguished guests in attendance. “All of those individuals are here today to honor this great accomplishment from each of you. At this time, welcoming remarks will be delivered by Michael Hoblin representing our county executive, Ed Day.”
“As the judge said, my name is Michael Hoblin, and I am the Deputy County Executive, and I’m here today representing County Executive Ed Day who unfortunately is away, could not be here to celebrate this momentous occasion with you. Today I stand before you as a grandson and a great grandson of my naturalized grandparents and great grandparents. I’m also the spouse of a naturalized citizen who was born and raised in Manila in the Philippines. Today you will take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and freely renounce allegiance to your former countries of origin. An oath to support and defend this great nation, which will become your nation. Like my father, I am a veteran of war, like many of these gentlemen here, having served this country in the armed forces for 3 decades and under 5 presidents. I truly understand the meaning of the oath you’re about to take. Very few American citizens ever take an oath like this. You’ll never forget this moment in your lives. Today, Rockland County welcomes you as our newest citizens of this great nation. Congratulations to you. Congratulations to your families on this very, very special occasion. Thank you and best of luck to all of you.”
The next order of business was the administering the Oath of Allegiance which the Honorable Rockland County Clerk, Donna Silberman had the honor of administering.
The Honorable Tony Earl from the Rockland County Legislature was the first to come up and deliver some congratulatory remarks. “Good morning, everyone and a special good morning to our new citizens. I’m honored to be here and to share this special day. I also want to bring you congratulations from the Rockland County Legislature. We congratulate you on your focus, your commitment, and the dedication that made today possible. As a new citizen, I hope that you will pursue all the opportunities America has to offer. I also hope that you will embrace the ideals that America was founded on.”
He continued, “In America, we embrace those from other lands because this country was built by those from other lands. In America we believe the Declaration of Independence, which states all are created equal. In America, we honor the Pledge of Allegiance because it tells us that liberty and justice is for all. And now this great county will be even better because each of you. Thank you for choosing America and welcome home. God bless each and every one of you. God bless our county. God bless our veterans and thank you once again.
County Legislator Aney Paul, an immigrant herself came to speak. “Congratulations. I was an immigrant here many years ago, and I was sitting like you guys here. Today marks the beginning of a, a new chapter in your life. Becoming the American citizen is more than receiving a certificate. It is embracing the values of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and responsibility. Each of you bring unique traditions, experiences, cultures, and perspectives that strengthen our community and enrich the fabric of this nation.”
“America has always been a nation built by immigrants, people who came here with hope, courage and determination. Today, you become part of that continuing story. Our county, our state, and our country are stronger because of you. As citizens, you know how both, now you have both privileges and responsibilities. You have the right to vote, to make your voice heard, and to help shape the future of our nation. I encourage you to stay informed, participate in your communities, and take an active role in the community. This moment, I also very this is also very personal for me.”
She said that many years ago, she sat where they are today, waiting to receive her citizenship. She understands the emotions they feel, the pride, the excitement, and the sense of belonging. “I am a nurse and I began volunteer at health fairs and providing health education in the community. Those small efforts to give back opened doors and eventually led me to serve as your county legislator today. There are many opportunities in Rockland County for you to get involved through volunteering, community services and civic engagement. When you give back. You help them to build a stronger, more connected community for all. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement. Thank you.
Rockland Community College President Doctor Mullaney congratulated the new citizens.
Judge Schwartz came back to congratulate the newly sworn in citizens. He listed the countries and amount of people who were naturalized from each one. He asked them to stand as he called their country. Going through the list alphabetically, he began with Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, South Korea, Mexico, Montenegro, Pakistan, Philippines, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, and finally, United Kingdom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, families and friends, we are so pleased to have you here today. To our new citizens, congratulations. Today we celebrate the next chapter in your lives. Each of your journeys here was different and unique, and every one of you has a wealth of experiences and a special perspective that will enrich and strengthen our community, our state, and our nation. Your determination, resilience and commitment to becoming American citizens inspires us all, as we are sure that your journeys have been marked with challenges and many sacrifices. By taking your oath today, know that you have not just become citizens, you have become part of a diverse American family.
With the ceremony completed, the veterans were asked to retire the colors. Donna Silberman finished the event with the closing remarks.
“I just want to take a moment to thank our veterans for coming to every naturalization ceremony. They put on their dress-ups and they come and they, they really make it. I’d like to thank my staff for always getting here so early and setting up the room. I know it’s a lot of work and keeping everything running smoothly, so thank you, everyone. Thank everybody that’s on the stage for taking time out of their day. They enjoy these ceremonies. You were handed out a green book when you were coming through processing. You can find everybody’s phone number in that green book. They make themselves available to you, and it’s not just for show. They truly really like being here and helping everybody. That’s why they’re elected officials and volunteers or whatever. Thank you all for coming. It really makes the ceremony so much better.”
“If I make only one suggestion to everybody, if you come in and you apply for a passport, please apply for a passport card. Your naturalization certificate that you’re going to get right after I stop talking, it’s $600 to replace. Don’t fold it up and put it in your wallet. Get a passport card. It’s only $30. It looks like a driver’s license. Keep it in your wallet so should anybody stop you and ask you if you’re an American citizen, you have proof. Like I said, it’s only $30 and you could do it when you get your passport book. Lock your naturalization certificate up in a safe place. There have been people that have come by and said that they were in a fire, their, their papers have all gotten destroyed, and it’s a, real hassle to replace all these types of things. This concludes our ceremony.”
She concluded by stating that she is honored to be the one to, to issue them the oath. “You can’t imagine, well, I guess you can because you’re feeling it on the opposite end when I, when I say congratulations, you’re an American citizen.” She told them that they can come up and get pictures with everyone on stage. “That’s my spiel. So once again, congratulations.”
The following videos are from interviews I had with some of the new citizens. Explaining about their experiences becoming an American Citizen.