'I came here for freedom': New U.S. citizens welcomed in naturalization ceremony

Karen Dandurant, Portsmouth Herald
·4 min read
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A naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke celebrated 72 new U.S. citizens Monday, July 4, 2022, in Portsmouth.
A naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke celebrated 72 new U.S. citizens Monday, July 4, 2022, in Portsmouth.

PORTSMOUTH — Chantal Ahumbiwa has been in the United States for six years. She said she was a refugee from the Congo and came here on her own, with her young son.

"I was concerned for our safety," she said. "I came here for freedom to speak and freedom of religion. Becoming a citizen means I can vote, and I care a lot about that."

Ahumbiwa, who lives in Concord, was one of 72 people from 32 countries who became U.S. citizens as part of a July 4 naturalization ceremony on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum. The tradition returned after two years with no event due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chantal Ahumbiwa, left, who became a U.S. citizen Monday, July 4, 2022 in a naturalization ceremony brought friends to share her day, Clark Gaskill and Esther Tembela. They are seen at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.
Chantal Ahumbiwa, left, who became a U.S. citizen Monday, July 4, 2022 in a naturalization ceremony brought friends to share her day, Clark Gaskill and Esther Tembela. They are seen at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

"It is appropriate to be here on this day to do this," said Lawrence Yerdon, the museum's president. "We are celebrating 13 colonies along our coast who approved documents leading to our Independence. Here we preserve the homes of those early settlers. We are glad to have this back, after two years. It's one of the pillars of our programming and a great reminder of how privileged we are to live here."

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A naturalization ceremony is serious business, conducted by court and immigration officials as a court session, no matter where it takes place. Exuberant family members, however, were not discouraged from showing support for their loved ones, and the general public was welcome to attend and cheer, too.

The cheers seemed to escalate a little for citizens from of Russia and Ukraine. Seacoast residents showed support for people from each country, welcoming them as Americans.

After being welcomed as new U.S. citizens, a group of 72 people begin congratulating each other Monday, July 4, 2022 at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.
After being welcomed as new U.S. citizens, a group of 72 people begin congratulating each other Monday, July 4, 2022 at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

Olga Clough, Immigration Services officer made the motion to approve the citizen petitions and read the 32 countries represented. Daniel Lynch, clerk of the U.S. District Court in New Hampshire, administered the oath.

"Celebrating US citizenship is one of the best ways to celebrate this holiday," said  James Bassett, a New Hampshire Supreme Court justice. "Beyond the fireworks, the barbecues, we feel a sense of pride here today. Thanks you for coming here. America will be a different and better place because you are now U.S. citizens."

Meeting new U.S. citizens

Precious Shilley, left, and her daughter, 17-year-old Mazai Bowah, became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth Monday, July 4, 2022.
Precious Shilley, left, and her daughter, 17-year-old Mazai Bowah, became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth Monday, July 4, 2022.

Seventeen-year-old Mazai Bowah became a U.S. citizen Monday automatically, because her mother, Precious Shilley, completed the multiple-step U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services process.

"When I become a citizen, Mazai automatically becomes a citizen because she is my child and she is under 18," Shilley said. The Salem resident came to the United State from Liberia.

"I am proud of my mother, always," Mazai said. "I am happy to now be a citizen because there is more I can do. I can vote. I can run for office. I can't be president, but I can come close."

Shilley said she didn't have a bad life in Liberia, but she wanted something different for her family.

"I came through the diversity visa lottery," she said. "My number came up and I decided it was time to go."

Linda Gray Martin, who is from England, with Dapper the dog and her husband, Dave Martin. Linda, who is from England, became a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony Monday, July 4, 2022 in Portsmouth.
Linda Gray Martin, who is from England, with Dapper the dog and her husband, Dave Martin. Linda, who is from England, became a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony Monday, July 4, 2022 in Portsmouth.

Merrimack resident Linda Martin said she came to America, for "work and love."

"I have been here nine years," she said. "My husband and I met because we both work in cybersecurity. Now we work together. For me, I think it was just the time to take this next step. I like it here, I live here, so now I will be a citizen. It's exciting."

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Encouraging words from congressional delegation

U.S. District Court of New Hampshire Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty, left, New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice James Bassett, Manchester resident Joe Bagwabi, who came to the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Chris Pappas take part in a naturalization ceremony Monday, July 4, 2022, at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, said other countries look to America for leadership, because of its democratic values.

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"You now have the ability to determine your own futures here," she said to the new citizens. "You all make this country stronger. Despite the concerns of today, we are stronger because of the ideals we were founded on, and because of people like you."

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, talked about his Greek heritage. His family members came to the state and started The Puritan Backroom, a successful family restaurant in Manchester.

"Democracy lives in all of us," he said. "It's not something we keep on a shelf. This country faces huge challenges here and abroad. If only other countries could understand our strong ideals. It is the reason we are under this tent today."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Natualization ceremony welcomes 75 new U.S. citizens in Portsmouth NH