New U.S. citizens from Elgin area honored at council meeting

Their path to citizenship began in an Elgin Community College classroom, wound around a four-part test, and culminated in a federal courtroom in Chicago for an oath of allegiance.

So, Wednesday was a victory lap of sorts for 38 residents from Elgin and the surrounding area as they were recognized by the city council.

"I was nervous but very prepared," recalled Martina Mejia, who learned English and earned her citizenship, following in the footsteps of her husband and three daughters. "The swearing-in ceremony was very special for me and my family."

Eleven years ago, Elgin held its first ceremony to recognize new U.S. citizens.

Wednesday, they had 61 certificates to pass out, the largest number yet for new citizens from Elgin and the surrounding area, but not all new citizens could make it.

Mario Aguilar said he came to the United States in search of a better life and he takes being a naturalized citizen very seriously.

"We must keep in mind that as new American citizens, we have responsibilities." he said. "The sacrifices I have made to stand before you today as a U.S. citizen have been worth it."

After receiving certificates from the city, the group headed to the first floor of city hall for cake and to register to vote.

Andrea Fiebig, director of the English as a Second Language program at Elgin Community College and a member of the recognition committee, said the citizenship process takes about five months for people living in the country for five years or more. "You have to prove that you're literate. You also have to know American history and government," Fiebig said. "It's a pretty strenuous process to become a nationalized citizen. Besides learning a new language, it's costly and long."

Jerry Turnquist, an Elgin man and member of the committee that helps recognize citizens, first thought of the recognition ceremony after he adopted two toddlers from Russia in the late 1990s.

He said the group honored usually contains about 40 people.

"It's a proud moment for them. This is a nice community recognition for them. They've done something the rest of us are born with," Turnquist said.