Poughkeepsie Journal, NY
Dec 4 2004

With tears and smiles, 17 gain U.S. citizenship
Newcomers urged to share heritage
By Alicia Amodeo
Poughkeepsie Journal

Kathy McLaughlin/Journal
>From left, Patricia Richards Deon, a native of Jamaica, Karen Therese
Ferdinand Calabro, a native of Germany, and Jun Wang, a native of
China applaud after taking the Pledge of Allegiance at naturalization
ceremonies Friday in the Dutchess County Courthouse.
Proud smiles and tears of joy illuminated the faces of family and
friends as they witnessed loved ones become American citizens Friday.

The final naturalization ceremony of the year was held at the
Dutchess County Courthouse in Poughkeepsie, as County Clerk Colette
Lafuente and Judge Damian J. Amodeo welcomed 17 new U.S. citizens to
the region.

”This is always the most significant and most important duty I have
as county clerk,” Lafuente said. ”We are so fortunate that you have
come to the United States and have decided to make your home here.”

Candidate citizens from countries all over the world, including
China, Ethiopia, Ecuador and Yugoslavia, were officially granted the
rights and opportunities of the United States as they took the oath.

”I have a 3-year-old daughter born here, so it’s exciting to share
what she already has,” said Sudharsana Srinivasan, a native of
India.

Although they are now U.S. citizens, Amodeo stressed to candidates to
share their heritage with their fellow Americans.

”As our newest citizens, please be generous in sharing all the good
you have experienced in your former land,” Amodeo said.

Right to vote stressed

Guest speaker Marty Rutberg, president of the Dutchess County Bar
Association, reminded candidates of the importance of voting in
elections.

”Your vote is your responsibility and your right,” said Rutberg.
”Please don’t forget to vote.”

Candidates were also urged to be active in politics and to speak out
on issues that are important to them.

”Become participants in the political process,” Amodeo said.
”Speak out, vote and actively seek public office.”

Jun Wang of China expressed her gratitude at being given the right
participate in politics.

”I’m very proud and happy that I can now vote,” Wang said. ”I
finally feel like a part of the country.”

Even with all the rights and privileges of becoming an American
citizen, there are still issues new citizens may face.

”This country is not perfect,” Rutberg said. ”As new citizens you
will face new challenges that your children will not face, but that
is part of the adventure.”

For Tigran Alexander of Armenia, whose wife and child are American
born, becoming a citizen is a risk worth taking.

”This is very emotional,” Alexander said. ”I’m very proud to be a
part of this country.”