Over 100 people become naturalized U.S. citizens inside Joliet's Rialto Theater

JOLIET, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois welcomed 101 new citizens to the United States in a special ceremony at Joliet’s Rialto Theater on Tuesday.

Ponle Pashola was among the new American citizens who took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. The 38-year-old came to the U.S. from Nigeria and said his journey was “long, but exciting.”

“People want to come to the United States because they want to have a voice in the type of leadership that they have,” he said.

Pashola’s native Nigeria was one of 27 countries to be represented in Tuesday’s naturalization ceremony, which also included individuals who came to the U.S. from India, Mexico and the Philippines.

After Tuesday’s ceremony, Divia Malladi-Maga said her first act was to register to vote.

“We are citizens now,” she said. “That is the responsibility as a U.S. citizen, is to vote.”

Blago Pilfov, from North Macedonia, said becoming a naturalized citizen meant his dream has come true.

“My dream was to start a new chapter in the U.S.A. and become a citizen one day,” he said.

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, who was also present at the ceremony, said she was “excited to be able to welcome” the 101 individuals — and she added that there’s a responsibility that comes with becoming a U.S. citizen.

“We have a democracy that requires active engagement and participation,” she said.

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