WILMINGTON — America is a land of opportunity. Almost everyone here, at least at some point in your families past, came from somewhere else in the world. Wednesday, UNCW and the Wilmington Rotary Club held a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming 37 new citizens into the country, granting them access to opportunities that were previously unavailable to them.
Franklin Etarock is one of these new citizens. Born in Cameroon, in central Africa, he immigrated to New Mexico in 2003.
Now, in 2017, he has finally become a citizen of the United States.
“Today is a great day,” Etarock said. “It’s an exciting day for my family, and for me. I’m very thankful for all the sacrifices they’ve made to ensure my success.”
While in New Mexico, Etarock was given the opportunity to work as administrative assistant for several years. He later spent some time in Washington D.C. to be closer to his family.
Being in Washington opened his eyes. After returning to New Mexico, Etarock began exploring the possibility of attending college, and becoming a naturalized US citizen.
Opening the door to opportunity
Gaining citizenship is no easy task. Although the process has been streamlined, it can take up to several years to actually gain citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Customs and Immigration Services, first, you must have lived in the country for at least three years, and prepare an “Application for Naturalization.”
After that, it’s a waiting game. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Services will contact the individual to schedule an interview appointment. This is ideally done in the first six months after filing for naturalization, but unfortunately, due to high demand, it can sometimes take up to two years.
After the interview is completed, and the citizenship test is passed, you are given notice of your “Oath of Allegiance,” a ceremony like the one held at UNCW yesterday. Then you are officially welcomed into the United States.
UNCW Chancellor Jose Sartarelli is a naturalized U.S. citizen himself. After delivering a speech at yesterday’s ceremony, he spoke to the determination it takes to become a citizen here.
“It’s like a new birth, it really is,” Sartarelli said. “It’s a long winded process, going through all the tasks it takes to become a citizen. It’s a lot of work, and it’s very emotional, but it’s all worth it.”
Last year, Etarock made a big decision, he would attend Campbell University, and become a US citizen.
“So last year, I moved to North Carolina,” Etarock said. “Now I have the opportunity to attend the School of Pharmacy, at Campbell University, which is a great school.”
For Etarock, countless doors have just been opened. He will now be able to vote, and live his life the way he wants.
“Although I may have come from Cameroon, today, I am a proud citizen of the United States of America,” Etarock said.
“This means a lot to me and my family, it gives me an opportunity to be a part of this great country, and share in the freedoms offered by this country,” Etarock said. “I also get a lot more chances to spend time with my family, who are in different parts of the country, now I don’t have to go through a lot to spend time with them.”
