New citizens from 63 countries take their oath at Rockford’s Coronado Center

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — On Tuesday morning, Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center served as the gateway to the American Dream, as 319 people took their oaths of citizenship to the United States.

The new citizens represent immigrants from 63 countries, from Afghanistan to Zambia.

U.S. District Judge Ian Johnston, who has been a part of naturalization ceremonies for over a decade, presided over today’s event.

“They have voted with their feet. They’ve left the country of their origin, where they had family, understood the culture, and understood the language, and they’ve decided and made the difficult decision that they were going to uproot themselves, come to the United States, and make their lives here. Which goes to show their courage, their determination, and how great this country is,” Johnston said.

The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford also attended the event to help the new citizens register to vote.