20 Immigrants Take the Oath, Join the Ranks of U.S. Citizens in Lebanon County

At the Lebanon County Courthouse on May 8, twenty immigrants from twelve different countries officially became U.S. citizens. The ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination to claim the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.

Among the new citizens was 18-year-old Naman Patel, who has lived in Lebanon County since he was three. Now a University of Pittsburgh student, Patel described his decision to naturalize as a commitment to the country he considers home. “I know I’m not going to live in India, and this is where my home is,” he said. For Patel, citizenship is not just a legal status but a fulfillment of an obligation to the nation that has given his family opportunities.

The group represented a rich diversity of origins, including Ukraine, Vietnam, Morocco, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, and Kenya. Each new citizen has earned the right to vote, run for public office, and hold government jobs requiring citizenship. Carlos Canoles, a 63-year-old who has lived in Lebanon County since 2007, expressed his pride and hope. “I feel very happy and blessed,” he said through an interpreter. Canoles looks forward to voting and using his voice to help shape the country.

Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bradford Charles saluted the new citizens for their perseverance. “You did what was hard. You did it the right way,” he told the group.

This ceremony reflects a broader national trend. Over the past decade, the United States has welcomed more than 7.9 million naturalized citizens. In 2024 alone, 818,500 people became citizens, though that number represents a 7% decrease from the previous year.

The path to citizenship is rigorous. Applicants must prove lawful permanent residency for at least five continuous years and meet other requirements detailed on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

For many like Patel and Canoles, citizenship is both a personal milestone and a gateway to fuller participation in American democracy. As Canoles put it, “If I can achieve this, you can also achieve it and to keep trying for your dreams.”

For more information on naturalization and resources for immigrants, visit uscis.gov.