Only a few months ago, Greeley resident Mishkat Omer and her mother went through the same life-changing experience awaiting another group of new Americans on Friday.
They became citizens of the U.S.
Omer, and her mother, Rimaz Awadalla, earned their citizenship in October. They came to the U.S. from Sudan in 2018 and then to Colorado a year later.
The women were among a group of speakers Friday morning to welcome 28 new citizens representing 15 countries during the 12th annual naturalization ceremony at Centennial Village in Greeley.
“It’s really sweet,” Omer said of the new citizens who were originally from Brazil, Canada, Djibouti, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom among other nations.
Naturalization is the way a person not born in the U.S. voluntarily becomes a citizen. The process generally takes about one year, though the length of time can vary, and includes an application, fees and an interview.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) partners with High Plains Library District on the Greeley ceremony. The library district also works with the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado on classes to help adult students prepare for naturalization.
Mishkat Omer, left, and her mother, Rimaz Awadalla, speak during an annual naturalization ceremony Friday, June 27, 2025 at Centennial Village Museum in Greeley. Twenty-eight people from 15 countries became U.S. citizens during the 12th annual ceremony at the museum. The ceremony is put on by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with High Plains Library District. (Sarah DeLacey/High Plains Library District)High Plains Library District executive director Matthew Hortt said the library and the Immigrant & Refugee Center of Northern Colorado have collaborated to help 339 individuals earn citizenship through classes since 2017. The naturalization ceremony began in 2014.
“I feel very happy for all the new Americans,” Awadalla said.
Omer, who recently reached a personal goal to earn her high school diploma and an associates degree before her 18th birthday, played another role in the naturalization of some of the individuals who took their oath of allegiance Friday. She worked as a teacher assistant at the Immigrant & Refugee Center of Northern Colorado.
IRC program director Araceli Calderon also spoke along with Andrew Lambert from the USCIS, Hortt, Greeley Mayor John Gates, Greeley City Councilman Tommy Butler and representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans and U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet.
Gov. Jared Polis and President Donald Trump delivered supportive and hopeful messages of congratulations in short videos.
“It is with great pride and wisdom in so many ways that I welcome you into our national family,” Trump said. “Our entire nation is now yours to love and to build.”
The theme behind the words of nearly all who stepped behind the podium during the approximately 90-minute ceremony was also of congratulations, of encouragement, welcome admiration and awe.
The new citizens were reminded their stories and their backgrounds are all very American stories. The U.S. was founded and sustained by individuals all looking for a better life.
Lambert with the USCIS reminded the new citizens they are not being asked to give up who they are by becoming U.S. citizens. Their traditions and cultures won’t be erased being an American.
“We hope now, as American citizens, you will feel free to share about where you came from,” Lambert said.
Calderon, who also became a U.S. citizen as an adult, told the new Americans the day marked a “powerful moment in your life.”
“The journey is not easy,” said Calderon, who later emphasized the individuals need to be emotionally ready to commit to a new country. “It takes courage, sacrifice and commitment. Today, you’re ready to be part of the story.”
A new American citizen listens during a naturalization ceremony Friday, June 27, 2025 in Greeley. Twenty-eight people from 15 countries became U.S. citizens during the 12th annual ceremony at at Centennial Village Museum. The ceremony is put on by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with High Plains Library District. (Anne Delaney/Staff Reporter).The day was not unlike a school commencement or graduation. Instead of diplomas, the new Americans received certificates of citizenship, which are legal documents containing much of the same information on a passport With these certificates, the new citizens may now apply for a passport, update social security status and register to vote.
Lambert ended the ceremony thanking the new citizens for their choice to become an American. He emphasized their background as immigrants, coming to the U.S. as hard-working individuals, interested in using their talents and skills to benefit the U.S.
“Our country is that much stronger,” Lambert said. “I’m in awe of all 28 of you and what you went through.”
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