66 people become US citizens at Miami’s Freedom Tower during America’s 250th anniversary

MIAMI — Sixty-six people from 29 countries became United States citizens Friday during a naturalization ceremony at Miami’s Freedom Tower, a historic landmark that once welcomed Cuban refugees, as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.

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The ceremony featured the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance, American flags and applause as the new citizens took the oath and officially joined the nation.

Among them was Fabiola Perez, who immigrated from Mexico with her son, Juan Pablo.

“I said this is the best city in the U.S. I said if I live in (the) U.S., I want to live in Miami,” Perez said.

Her son said he hopes to become a U.S. citizen next year and already has plans for his future.

“I really would love to live the American dream in the sense of getting into society, contributing and working,” a man named Juan Pablo said.

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Coco Wachli Banks, originally from Kenya and now a high school French teacher in Miami, said becoming a citizen during the nation’s 250th anniversary made the moment even more meaningful.

“To commemorate the 250th anniversary of this country, I can’t explain it, but I’m filled with pride,” Banks said. “I’m going to be the proudest American when it happens.”

Martha Garcia, originally from the Dominican Republic, also became a U.S. citizen Friday. Garcia, a preschool teacher in North Miami, reflected on achieving a longtime goal.

“I’ve earned my goal here working as a teacher. It’s so exciting to help the development of children. They are definitely the future. I don’t know why they picked me, but when they told me, I said, ‘Why me?’ I don’t know what purpose he has with this opportunity for me. It’s so unique and I’m so thankful,” Garcia said.

Although they came from different parts of the world and have different backgrounds, the new citizens shared a common theme throughout the ceremony — gratitude for the opportunity to become Americans and optimism about pursuing the American dream.

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