'This country stands ready to receive your contributions:' 24 become U.S. citizens in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD – Leonor Carvalho could not contain her emotion as the naturalization service held at the Immigrant’s Assistance Center in New Bedford was coming to a close on Dec. 8.

“Viva America!” she shouted.

A few minutes later, the Cape Verdean immigrant explained that her spontaneous outburst was merely a gesture of gratitude for the great country that welcomed her 18 years ago.

“I love America because it’s the best country,” said Carvalho, who moved here from Praia, Santiago Island. “When I came here, I had nothing.”

A naturalized citizen since 2010, the Brockton resident is now helping others achieve their dream of becoming U.S. citizens.

At the ceremony, she proudly stood next to Jorge Teixeira, also of Cape Verde, waiving an American flag. She not only helped Teixeira study for the citizenship test, but also served as his interpreter at the naturalization interview.

“This is so emotional,” she said.

Teixeira was beaming with pride, holding his Certificate of Naturalization.

“This is such a great joy because I love America and I want to be a citizen with duties and rights,” he said in Portuguese.

The 24 immigrants who took the Oath of Allegiance came from Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Cambodia, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Nigeria.

“You are an amazing example of courage, determination and optimism - some of the very qualities that built this great nation,” said Associate Justice of the Superior Court Susan Sullivan, who presided over the ceremony.

“This country stands ready to receive your contributions,” she added. “Every citizen has his or her own abilities, gifts, talents, and when we join together, with respect, tolerance, patience and kindness, America truly is a great nation. This is the beginning and let it be the beginning of something great.”

Justice Sullivan urged the new citizens to become engaged and vote.

“Get involved and never miss an opportunity to cast your vote,” she said.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, who served as keynote speaker, said naturalization ceremonies give him goosebumps.

“We are inspired by you,” he said. “I would ask you to tell your story, to your family, to your children, grandchildren. You’ll inspire them more than you think. Tell your stories to others who have been here for a long time. Let them know they should not take what they have for granted. In America, we sometimes do that, it’s easy to do that especially in divided times like now. We need to go back and need to safe harbor our founding principles… fellow Americans, congratulations. This is a big day.”

Helena da Silva Hughes, the President and CEO of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, said she knows how emotional the process of becoming a U.S. citizen can be.

“I too became a U.S. citizen in 1980. I understand how powerful and emotional this experience is,” said Hughes, a native of Madeira, Portugal.

“This is the favorite part of my job,” she added. “Making sure immigrants become U.S. citizens, because it is the only time we really feel integrated.”

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: 24 sworn in as new citizens at the Immigrants’ Assistance Center