Naturalization

• Belmont County ceremony swears in 77 new U.S. citizens

By BRIANNA SADLER, Times Leader Staff Writer
WHEN KWAME Osei was naturalized as a U.S. citizen two years ago in Ohio, holding the right to vote was something he said he cherished most among his new responsibilities as a member of this country.

And on Thursday morning, Osei, originally from Ghana, stood by with his two American-born children, Goglave, 5, and Josephine, 4, as he watched his wife Nith Nana Gyaame, also from Ghana, follow in his footsteps to become a citizen of the United States during a naturalization ceremony at Belmont Technical College's Horizon Hall in St. Clairsville.

In honor of the Belmont County Bar Association's observation of the 50th Annual Law Day, 77 people from all over the world gathered with the same goal in mind -- to be sworn in as U.S. citizens.

U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr. presided over the formal court proceedings in front of an audience whose members hailed from countries including China, Canada, Pakistan, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, Taiwan and Cambodia.

"We are a nation of immigrants," Sargus said. "The vast majority of our citizenship are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. Our founders believed citizenship should not be limited to those born in our country alone."

Also available to give their remarks and congratulations were Belmont County Judges Jennifer L. Sargus, John M. Solovan II, Harry W. White, D. William Davis and Frank A. Fregiato.

"One who reaches naturalization does so in good faith," Solovan said as he addressed the participants. "The oath of citizenship is more than a form. With the oath, you become fully American."

Two guest speakers gave their comments as well.

Speaking on behalf of Congressman Charlie Wilson and the 110th Congress was Christopher J. Gagin.

"The Unites States government can bestow no higher title than that of a citizen," Gagin said. "May you join this union in its experiment of equality...for there is no greater experiment for peace and freedom. Now you are called upon for yourselves to define what it means to be an American citizen."

Richard Cordray, treasurer of the state of Ohio, also welcomed the participants as new citizens.

"With free choice you have chosen our country," Cordray said. "This is a solemn ceremony. It is a legal ceremony. You are full-fledged citizens of the Unites States of American."

Cordray continued, noting that, as citizens, it is their new responsibility to help uphold the Constitution.

"In this country, we are our own rulers," Cordray said. "The government does not rule over us. We rule over it...because of the choice you have made leading up to today, we will continue to write the history of the United States."

All petitioners for U.S. citizenship must complete a series of tests on issues regarding government and American history.

Sadler may be reached at bsadler@timesleaderonline.com