Noah R. Bombard/Staff Video
LAWRENCE — For the past 24 years, Ceri Walker said she has felt like a nomad living in Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. That was until yesterday, when Walker was sworn in as an American citizen.
"I missed having roots, a base and a place to call home," said Walker, who moved to North Andover seven years ago.
A native of Great Britain, Walker was one of 15 immigrants from across the globe, who were sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Gertner as naturalized citizens.
The ceremony was at the Lawrence History Center, 6 Essex St. The site was significant because the center is at the former Essex Company offices, where plans for the city were drawn.
It also was significant because nearby, the new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office at 2 Mill St., was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Gertner talked about her grandparents, who came from Poland and Austria with no money and unable to speak English.
After becoming a citizen, Gertner's grandfather voted in every election and was proud to serve on a jury. She told the new Americans that citizenship brings with it the right to vote, to serve on a jury, and to voice their opinions.
"Immigrants have enriched this country and I am sure you will do the same," Gertner said.
Stanislav Margolin, a native of Ukraine now living in Andover, also became a citizen yesterday.
"I live here, why not become a citizen? I want to be like any other American," said Margolin, who moved to the United States nine years ago.
Those sworn in yesterday came from Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya, Liberia, India, Russia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Brazil. They drove from as far away as Chicopee and Worcester for the ceremony.
"I'm happy that now I am an American," said Loise Mwangi, who moved from Kenya to Lowell five years ago to study and work. "I wanted to enjoy the freedom in America and have a better future for my kids."
After the naturalization ceremony, Eartha Dengler, founder of Immigrant City Archives and Eva Millona, executive director at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, received the Outstanding American by Choice awards.
Dengler, a native of Germany, formerly of Andover, was recognized for her efforts to preserve the history of Lawrence's immigrants. Millona, who came from Albania, will be recognized for her work on behalf of immigrants.
Dengler, 88, came from Minnesota with her daughter, Claudia, her son, Thomas, and her grandchildren Jacob Saltzman and Molly Dengler.
At the opening of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office, attendants received an American flag and a pocket-size copy of the Constitution of the United States. Four color guards from the USS Constitution presented the colors. The 23-member Lawrence High School girls ensemble, directed by Nancy McGhee, sang several patriotic songs, as did soloist John Castillo.
"The building is not what's important, rather what goes on inside," said District Director Denis Riordan.
Michael Aytes, acting deputy director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Lawrence, said yesterday's ceremony was a "rare and cherished occasion."
"It's a wonderful day to be in Lawrence, not only because of Lawrence's history as a city of immigrants, but because it brings services closer to the customers," he said. "It's important to us because it's important to them."
The new office will offer immigration services, including naturalization interviews, permanent resident processing, fingerprinting and photographic services. The office is expected to process roughly 13,000 applications for benefits next fiscal year.
