A total of 30 children took the oath to become American citizens in Tukwila on Thursday morning, with Congressman Rick Larsen (R – Everett) in attendance.
They took the oath at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices in Tukwila.
Teen Shiphrah Thomas was one of those becoming a naturalized citizen, and noted that it had been a long journey since her father arrived from India and became a citizen himself.
“When I turn 18 in the summer, then I can vote in the U.S. and I can go to college. I probably want to go into law,” Thomas told us of her future aspirations.
For her father Selvaraj Thomas, today was special because not only did he see his daughter follow in his footsteps, but it also happened nearly a decade to the day of his own citizenship ceremony.
“I became a citizen in 2008, right here. January 22nd, in the same place right here,” he told us, proudly beaming.
Rep. Rick Larsen helped administer the oath and noted tensions to KIRO 7 surrounding immigration and DACA for young undocumented immigrants. He is a supporter of DACA.
“The only thing missing from their portfolio is that piece of paper that says they’re a citizen, otherwise, this is the country that they are in and want to be in and want to live in and be successful in,” Larsen said. “That’s what immigration has provided to the United States over time: constant contributions to the success of the United States, and we can’t miss out on that opportunity.”
More news from KIRO 7