Immigrants were sworn in recently as new citizens. The judge told them to keep their own religion, teach their language to their children and register to vote. - - Donna Poisl
By Michael Owens | Reporter / Bristol Herald Courier
ABINGDON, Va. – Francisca Loiola Turner has dreamed of becoming a U.S. citizen since she was a 7-year-old growing up in Brazil. Sparking the dream was a television spot featuring an American translating English into Portuguese, the native tongue of Brazil.
“I told my mom, one day I’m going to learn that language and go to that place,” Turner recalled Friday, as her dream was realized.
Turner, who now lives in Bristol, was surrounded by 21 other immigrants as they all swore the oath of citizenship Friday at the U.S. District Court in Abingdon.
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This country was built by immigrants, it will continue to attract and need immigrants. Some people think there are enough people here now -- people have been saying this since the 1700s and it still is not true. They are needed to make up for our aging population and low birthrate. Immigrants often are entrepreneurs, creating jobs. We must help them become Americans and not just people who live here and think of themselves as visitors. When immigrants succeed here, the whole country benefits.
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