For many new Americans, the journey to becoming a U.S. citizen is long. Immigrants seeking naturalization must complete lengthy applications, sit for an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, take a civics test, and more. At the end of this process, new citizens attend a naturalization ceremony that celebrates their hard work and officially declares them naturalized U.S. citizens. For immigrants in the Panhandle, celebrating this momentous occasion in person meant long journeys to either Denver or Omaha.

Valeria Rodriguez, a DOJ-accredited representative with CIRA based in Scottsbluff, wanted to bring these meaningful ceremonies home. Through her work, Rodriguez got to know Andrew Lambrecht, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office director in Denver. Through their partnership, she pitched the idea of hosting a ceremony in Scottsbluff. After an on-site visit, Lambrecht saw the potential Rodriguez had long recognized and agreed the Scotts Bluff National Monument would be a great location for a ceremony.

Buzz around the June ceremony location grew, and some community members postponed their naturalization so they could attend the local ceremony with their families.

“Knowing that they were able to do it here at home in a location that’s so historic for us and that represents our community, they were like, ‘You know what? I’m going to wait. I’m going to wait three months to do it back home with my family and community members to celebrate together,’” Rodriguez said.

On June 13, 13 community members from Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Peru, and India took their oaths to become U.S. citizens at the first naturalization ceremony at the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Scottsbluff Mayor Jeanne McKerrigan, Gering Mayor Kent Ewing, and Lambrecht attended the ceremony to congratulate the community’s newest American citizens.

Rodriguez is excited to see these ceremonies continue in her community. “This is the first and won’t be the only one. We’ve been seeing a lot of excitement in our community and motivation for individuals to apply for their citizenship.”