They are business owners, college students and graduates, grandparents and community leaders, and now they’re citizens of the United States. On Sept. 13, more than 70 individuals, representing 32 countries, took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and declared loyalty to their new country.

“It’s a great honor to be here, to look forward to being a citizen of this beautiful nation,” said Ukrainian-American Vadym Storozhenko. “For every country that was represented here today, it’s a great honor to be here today to share this achievement.”

Held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City (1355 W. 3100 South), the event gathered new citizens and their families, Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City officials, and representatives from organizations that serve immigrants across the state. 

Abdi Iftin, from the United Way of Salt Lake, came to Utah from Somalia in 2005 at 10 years old. He has since become a U.S. citizen and encouraged those in attendance to get involved in their communities. 

“The journey to citizenship is not easy and each of us here today has our own stories to how we got here; stories filled with struggles, perseverance, resilience, and ultimately, stories filled with achievements,” Iftin said. “Citizenship is more than just a legal status. It is a call to participate, to contribute and to give back to the communities that have welcomed you with open arms...citizenship is not just about what we receive, but it’s also about what we give back.”

The naturalization ceremony was part of the Salt Lake Welcoming Week which included a proclamation signing and a resource fair for new citizens that provided voter registration, library information and other services provided by the county. The week also included a community history event and international celebrations. The week’s theme of “We’re All In” was meant to encourage equitable conversations and inclusive opportunities for immigrant communities throughout the state.

Salt Lake County Clerk Lannie Chapman said more than 18 mayors across Salt Lake County signed the welcoming proclamation. While not all county mayors attended the event, mayors from Taylorsville, West Jordan and West Valley were on hand to welcome the new citizens. 

Damian Choi represented the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office. As a naturalized citizen, Choi said he understood the emotions being experienced by those taking the oath of allegiance. 

“Belonging provides us with an identity, a sense of meaning, connection and purpose. It happens when we join groups to solve tough problems in our cities, towns and movements that improve the conditions of our society,” Choi said. “My hope, as well as Mayor Mendenhall’s, is that you find the courage to continue towards kinship and belonging so that we build a culture of makers, thinkers and organizers to build a stronger community that is steeped in love and justice.”

Many new citizens and their families were visibly moved by the ceremony and eager to take their place as voters and community leaders. Several people spoke to express gratitude for the people who helped get them to this point in their lives. Lava Satini came to America from Tonga in 2019 and was among those taking part in the naturalization ceremony.

“I dreamed of this day ever since I was young,” Satini said. “My mom always taught me that America is the land of opportunities, but this day is so very special. This is a very monumental day for me, and I’m grateful to be a part of this country and have the freedoms I have.” λ