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A Nation Engaged: New Americans Discuss Citizenship And Vision For Next President

Northern Public Radio | By Brian Mackey

Published October 13, 2016 at 6:41 AM CDT

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Immigrants representing 30 countries took the oath of citizenship Friday at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

Carter Staley/ NPR Illinois

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Immigrants representing 30 countries took the oath of citizenship Friday at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

Carter Staley/ NPR Illinois

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Fifty-eight men and women became American citizens Friday at Springfield's Old State Capitol. Each was congratualted by U.S. District Judge Richard Mills, left, and guest speaker Alan Lowe, director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Carter Staley/ NPR Illinois

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Immigrants representing 30 countries took the oath of citizenship Friday at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

Carter Staley/ NPR Illinois

Illinois’ capital city recently hosted its final naturalization ceremony before this year’s election. Fifty-eight men and women entered Springfield’s old state capitol as citizens of 30 nations. An hour later, they left as citizens of one.

WNIJ continues the series, A Nation Engaged, by asking these new citizens two questions: What does it mean to be an American, and what can the next president do to advance your vision?