CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 50 people took the oath of allegiance to become American citizens in the Capital City Monday — less than two weeks before the Presidential Inauguration.
Rossita Vangelova Getskova, of Bulgaria, has been living in Charleston with her family since 2001. She said she wanted to become a citizen much sooner so she could vote in the recent election.
“I would’ve loved to have opportunity earlier,” Getskova told MetroNews. “I’ve not always been too involved in politics, but I would’ve loved to vote.”
The first naturalization ceremony of 2017 in Charleston Federal Court was held Monday morning and was presided by U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin.
Magali Barbosa De Oliveira, of Brazil, joined her son and daughter in the United States six years ago. She also became a U.S. citizen Monday.
“I am very, very happy because I live here with my son, my daughter and my family,” De Oliveira said with a smile.
The Kanawha County Clerk’s office had a table set up for new U.S. citizens to register to vote following the ceremony. De Oliveira made sure to register minutes after becoming a citizen.
With President-elect Donald Trump scheduled to be sworn into office Jan. 20, De Oliveira said she trusts Trump will be a great leader.
“I trust him,” she said. “I must trust.”
Naturalization ceremonies can be very emotional for families inside the courtroom and Monday morning was no different.
“I was shaking! I had tears in my eyes,” Getskova said. “It’s been very emotional because it’s been a long journey and a long process. I’ve been very overjoyed that this is finally here.”