700 people from 91 different countries pledged the Oath of Allegiance at Chicago's Wrigley Field

Thursday, July 28, 2022
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Hundreds of people from around the world came to Wrigley Field Thursday morning to start a new chapter in their lives, that of an American citizen.

"It is very emotional," said Maria McEvilly, from Spain.
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"It means a lot to me," added Louisa Losias, from Haiti.

"I have been in this country for almost 22 years now. I have been waiting for a chance," said Manan Mehta, from India.

This is the second year in a row the ballpark has hosted a naturalization ceremony. Last year, 175 people from 45 countries pledged the Oath of Allegiance. This year, it's 700 from 91 countries.

"This is my home. I have been here almost 20 years. I found my husband here. I have three beautiful children with them and this is where I belong," said Eva Kassens-Noor from Germany.



"This is one of the greatest countries in the world. It has given me so much opportunities as an immigrant," said James McGarrigle from Ireland.
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They bring with them different languages, religions, customs and traditions. But what unites them is their dream of becoming American citizens, a dream that is now a reality.

"The sky is the limit here. That's the reason I came to America," said Mahendra Limbachia, from India.

"I had a dream when I was just a little girl. That dream came true. So today it is a special day, such a privilege to be an American citizen," said Maja Brajic, from Serbia.

The new citizens are looking forward to continuing to give back to a country that has already given them so much.

"I will be entering the health care field for sure, but so many of my friends are also immigrants. I see the amazing things that they have been doing," said Shreya Sriram, who moved from India with her parents when she was a toddler.
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