‘Alone but finally free’: Citizenship ceremonies resume in Miami amid COVID-19
It was the moment the 77-year-old retired handyman says he’s been waiting for his whole life.
So on Thursday morning, Arcilio Leyva put on his face mask, sprayed on his favorite cologne and headed to the immigration office in West Kendall. His eyes watered while he waited in line to “finally” become a United States citizen.
He waved at his daughter from a distance and put his other hand on his heart.
“I was alone in there but I’m finally free,” the Cuban national told the Miami Herald as he walked out of the building about six minutes later, naturalization certificate in hand.
“It’s very different now, it’s short. I couldn’t take a celebratory picture inside or share that moment with my family because of the virus. However, the important thing is that I can now say that I’m the happiest man on earth. That’s what I felt when I took that oath.”
Leyva was one of hundreds across the country who had to cherish that moment without their families Thursday. The shortened U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ceremonies were limited to just naturalization candidates and staffers to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.
Thursday’s “phased re-opening” of ceremonies marked the nation’s first after about two and a half months. During the temporary office closures, more than 100,000 people had their naturalization ceremony postponed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants to reschedule postponed naturalization ceremonies. The ceremonies may be shorter to limit exposure to those in attendance,” an immigration spokesperson said in a statement. “Under the shortened format, all legally required portions of the ceremony will take place.”
What used to be a ceremony of 100 people or more has now been reduced to 10 socially distanced people to a room, all assigned to a metal chair. Each person had to wear a mask and bring their own pen. They take their oath of allegiance, sign their certificate and they are out the door.
Prior to the health pandemic, new citizens were shown four “inspirational” welcome videos that tell the story of the nation’s immigration history as well as footage highlighting the historical songs “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The agency also plays a congratulatory message from the president.
Instead of playing videos during naturalization ceremonies, attendees will receive a flier with information and links directing them to the videos on the USCIS website, the agency said.
“We didn’t get to experience those iconic moments, which is very unfortunate. However, I guess what matters is that I left here with this priceless paper,” said Bartholomew Jimenez, a 70-year-old Cuban American as he pointed at his naturalization certificate. “I’ve been waiting for this for 30 years, so I’ll take what I can get.”
According to Ana E. Santiago, a spokeswoman for the immigration agency, 40 people were naturalized Thursday at the Kendall office. “We will now ramp up to 120 candidates daily and will have ceremonies Monday through Thursday,” she said.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says it will send notices to applicants to reschedule postponed naturalization ceremonies and that applicants should be receiving a phone call with details.
Adonis Louelle, who was born in Cuba, said when he got the call a few days ago, his wife immediately began to pick out the family’s wardrobe.
She would wear red. Their 1-year-old daughter would wear white. He would wear blue.
“We were definitely all dressed for the occasion, even if they just waited for me in the car,” Louelle said, standing outside his black SUV. His toddler twirled the mini American flag given to him during the ceremony.
“I need to celebrate,” he said. “I don’t know how, but all I know is that we’re going to go straight home and fix up a feast, any feast.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 12:29 PM.
