ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Immigrants from 24 countries can now call themselves American citizens after a naturalization ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13. It was held at Augustana College, with most of the immigrants coming from the Congo (19), Mexico (18), and Burma (17).
Those applying for naturalization must qualify first. Immigrants may qualify for citizenship if they are at least 18 years old and a permanent resident in the United States for at least five years; if an immigrant were to marry an American citizen, then they would only have to be a permanent resident for three years.
But that's not a problem for Christine Dahlstrom. She's been living in the United States for the last 31 years.
"I raised my children here," Dahlstrom said. "I have a wonderful husband, an American husband. And now, I really belong here."
Dahlstrom moved to the States after she married her husband, Ken, a former soldier stationed in Germany.
She is the only German in this class, which is possible because of recent updates in Germany's citizenship policy. In June, their new law went into effect, allowing German citizens to apply for dual citizenship while maintaining their status at home.
Dahlstrom and her family would say Germany's new regulations are three decades too late, but she's thankful she can finally call herself an American.
"I'm surprised I'm not crying. Once [interview] is over, I will be. I should've done it a long time ago. I'm just very grateful to what this country has allowed me to do."