NCICC's newest citizen has been working toward this moment for more than 10 years. On a Monday in June, Enriqueta and two other NCICC clients joined a procession of cars carrying 600 soon-to-be U.S. citizens from 68 countries through a series of stations behind the El Cajon Community Center.
After a coronavirus check and final questions, Enriqueta surrendered her green card and was given a small U.S. flag. An immigration officer wearing a face covering administered the oath of allegiance 6 feet from the car's window. And in a matter of minutes, years of work and prayers were rewarded.
Enriqueta is so proud to be a U.S. citizen. When we saw her after the ceremony, she was waving her flag in the air, saying "Thank you, thank you, thank you! Look! Look at my flag!" Since USCIS reopened in June, six of NCICC's citizenship clients have taken their oath via drive-thru. The masks and social distancing don't diminish the life-changing impact of this moment. All of our new citizens asked us to thank YOU - the tutors, volunteers and donors who made this long, incredible journey possible.
