’30 years in the making’: 150 people gain US citizenship at Big South Fork ceremony

SCOTT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Nearly 150 people living in East Tennessee became Americans today at a naturalization ceremony in the Big South Fork River & Recreation Area.

“Today is very, very, special to me because I became a US citizen,” said Darlen Brewington, who immigrated from the Philippines.

Coming from all walks of life and 49 countries, many have waited years for this day. Some following in their family’s footsteps.

“30 years in the making right here,” said Edward Githrie, alongside his sister, Juliah.

“It’s been a long journey,” she said. “My family actually came to United States in the ‘90s. We were both born overseas in Kenya. We immigrated in ‘94 of September and we’ve been here ever since, so like this is the moment. Both my parents became American citizens last year and were the last two of the bunch.”

Others were the first of their family to be naturalized.

“I never thought that I could be away from my family, but he brought me here like that’s what love brought me, to America, and I’m so thankful,” said Talita Michelhaugh, who immigrated from Brazil to be with her American husband. “I’m so blessed to be here now with my family. I have my baby. She’s two years old now and I’m so thankful to become an American citizen today.”

With their new citizenship, they expressed their excitement for the future, and newfound freedoms.

“I’m excited to have a US passport of course,” said Brewington. “And also, you know America is the land of opportunity.”

After receiving their naturalization certificate, the ceremony included an area for those who wished to register to vote.

“I’m happy to be able to voice my voice and opinions about politics at the end of the day so I can actually go out and cast my vote which I think is a very important thing as a citizen,” said Edward Githire.

This year’s ceremony took place during Big South Fork’s 50 ^th anniversary, and was one of the largest naturalization ceremonies held there to-date.

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