SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Michael Asfaw of Ethiopia lived in China for awhile, studying for a Master’s degree, when he met and married his wife, of Normal, Illinois.
The COVID pandemic brought the Asfaws back to Normal. He got a green card, they started a family, and then Michael decided it was time to become a U.S. citizen for good.
Asfaw finally crossed the finish line Friday, taking his oath as a citizen at the Old State Capitol. It was one of several naturalizations held there every year. 25 others representing a total of 11 countries also became naturalized.
It’s part of a federal court proceeding, which starts with a formal motion allowing for the residents to become official citizens.
“Each has been determined to be a person of good moral character, supportive of our Constitution and form of government, and well-disposed toward the good order and happiness of the United States,” said Chris Pfender, Immigration Services officer, United States Citizenship & Immigration Services, based in St. Louis, to federal Judge Colleen Lawless. “Therefore, your honor, I respectfully move that this court confer United States citizenship on each of these applicants for naturalization, upon their taking of the oath of allegiance, as required by law.”
After spending years in Normal with his wife, Asfaw says he wanted to do right by her, and their family, in becoming a naturalized citizen.
“It’s because I have two sons now, they’re young, whom I need to represent in so many things and fulfill all their needs, one of them being part of the community, and involved in the civic things,” said Asfaw. “I needed to be a citizen in order to involve in those kind of things.”
Local Judge Roger Holmes led the Springfield Lawyers Chorus in several songs during the ceremony. He also got the chance to give the citizens some advice — which included registering to vote, and then voting in every election they can. But, Holmes didn’t want the citizens to forget about their heritage and countries they came from, as he told the story of his heritage and how all of his grandparents were immigrants to this country.
“You’re starting your history (in America). You’re starting to weave that fabric that is your personal history and our nation’s history,” said Holmes. “I hope that, someday, your grandchild will stand before a group like this and tell your story with pride.”
Asfaw felt that pride. He says the naturalization process was both slow and frustrating at times, fast and fulfilling in others. But, any pain he might have had at times going through the process, all went away when he raised his right hand.
“Being a part of the ‘We the People’…that’s really awesome,” said Asfaw. “It’s the chance of a lifetime. You’ve got to take it.”
