14 take oath, become U.S. citizens

In an emotional ceremony Saturday morning, 14 of Nevada's immigrants received their citizenship during the opening of the Carson City Rendezvous at Mills Park.

For 52-year-old Manuel Angel Leon of Fallon, who immigrated from Cuba, the feelings were almost inexpressible.

"This is one of the greatest days of my life other than when I saw my son and daughter born," said Leon, who also was honored for his 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy.

"I came to the United States 50 years ago, and I'm just sorry my dad couldn't see this. He passed on a couple of years ago. He was a citizen, so I'm the last of the family to become one," said Leon, his eyes brimming with tears.

For Sevim Karabulut, 34, who immigrated from Turkey 10 years ago, it also was a remarkable day.

"I am so excited, I'm about to cry," she said, her voice breaking.

"I was educated here and my family is here, so I feel I am part of the United States," said Karabulut, who now lives in Reno with her husband and two children.

"When I took my history classes, I felt I was becoming part of that history," she said.

Marie Therese Sebrechts, regional media manager for the southwest region of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said prior to the ceremony that the naturalization process is extremely meaningful to those who have worked hard to receive their citizenship.

"One thing we try to do is bring these ceremonies out of the courthouse and into the community, so other people can experience their accomplishments," Sebrechts said.

After USCIS District Director John Kramar administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens, many wiped tears from their cheeks as they saluted the flag, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and listened the National Anthem.

"There are a million people all over the country who become immigrants every year, but only about 700,000 become citizens," Sebrechts said. "Being able to vote for people for public office is one of the motivating factors."

The 14 new citizens hail from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, India, Japan, Mexico, Turkey, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Kit Carson, portrayed by Dick Clark from Gardnerville, congratulated the group.

"This is a great country made up of a mixture of many nations, and we want to thank our new brothers and sisters who are joining us in citizenship today," he said.

A highlight of the event was the presence of Michael Vos, a filmmaker who works for a production company working for HBO. The company is filming naturalization ceremonies in all 50 states.

"I've been to 40, and this is one of the most special ones I've been to because of the very American backdrop of the Civil War era and the Old West," Vos said.

"For me to see the contrast is very nice. As they're becoming citizens, we're drawn into another America and the thickest part of our history," he said.