Berks County Welcomes 45 New Citizens

The Honorable Eleni Dimitriou Geishauser presided over a naturalization ceremony that welcomed 45 new American citizens on April 5 in Courtroom 5A of the Berks County Courthouse. Yvette Plant, Supervisor at the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, presented certificates of citizenship to the newly naturalized citizens, who originated from 14 different countries, including Ukraine and The Gambia. State Rep. Mark Gillen of the 128th District delivered remarks about his own familial ties to immigration and offered inspiring words to the newly naturalized citizens preparing them for the wondrous road that lies ahead. Many members of the community joined the celebration, including Troop 413 of Wyomissing, who presented the colors, and Miranda DeFiore of Kutztown University, who provided beautiful musical selections.

Kourtney Bernecker, Vice Chair of the Citizenship Committee, with Miranda DeFiore, soloist from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2023, who provided a beautiful musical assortment for the ceremony as well as a poetry selection entitled “Country of Freedom,” which she delivered in Spanish.

Orquidea Malendez Da Tiburcio, originally from the Dominican Republic, with her certificate of citizenship and mini-American flag after the ceremony.

Representative Mark Gillen, the Honorable Eleni Dimitriou Geishauser, and President Gabriela Raful, who all spoke on their personal connections with the naturalization process, the amazing journeys these individuals are beginning, and all they will be able to accomplish.