Posted by By Editor in Chief, Josh Quinn & Staff Writers, Alex Bark, Nate Lewis & Isabel Loyer
One hundred miles away from her statue, Lady Liberty’s words rang true once more at the Ulster County Courthouse. On March 14, 2025, twenty-five individuals further enshrined themselves into the elaborate tapestry of not only America, but the Ulster County community.
Coming from over fifteen countries, these new Americans were naturalized in the Ulster County Courthouse during which State Supreme Court Justice Sharon Graff presided. Speakers at the event included Representative Pat Ryan, County Executive Jen Metzger, Sheriff Juan Figueroa and County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji.
Not a single person who was naturalized on March 14 was new to the community. In fact, all had spent at least three years in the United States, many in Woodstock and New Paltz.
“I wish everyone in this room had a chance to show America how much they have already committed to this country,” Representative Pat Ryan explained.
Among the audience was the New Paltz PIGLETS class who were given the opportunity to observe the ceremony. The insight that these students gained from the event was incredible, and the following are three students’ personal reactions and interpretations of the event.
Alex Bark, Age 17:
To be living in such a volatile environment for immigrants right now and see such a large group of immigrants obtain their citizenship was incredibly touching and inspiring. To echo Representative Pat Ryan, I truly wish that everybody knew how much sacrifice and patience is asked of these American citizens – all to receive the same privilege as birthright Americans at such a disproportionate amount of labor. I don’t know how widely known this is, but one of the conditions of obtaining American citizenship is renouncement of one’s origin country. So when people seek U.S. citizenship, you should know they’re not simply navigating bureaucratic hurdles. They’re also adjusting to changes to their identity, their values, and way of life. In my experience, learning about the depth of emotional and mental sacrifices made by immigrants implores you to strive for a similar culmination of risk-taking, tenacity and strength in your own life. I encourage anyone interested in finding out what it means to be naturalized and what a ceremony looks like to find out when one is happening at the Ulster County Courthouse and show up. Because being an American is not only about being proud of your own identity, but also striving to understand people unlike yourself.
Isabel Loyer, Age 18:
When I first walked into the courtroom, I didn’t know what to expect. Our class was one of the last groups to get there, so the room was already filled with families, children, representatives, and the newly appointed citizens. Representatives spoke before the actual ceremony began, and I could feel the anticipation building through the families in the courtroom. Their words were important and powerful, but what really stood out to me was the humanity in the room. Tears, smiles, unspoken stories that were apparent through the relief on people’s faces, and the community. At this moment, I realized just how often I take my citizenship for granted, and also how much it means to me. It isn’t just legal status, but a community and a responsibility. To be grateful for the freedoms and rights I was lucky to have been granted since birth, and a responsibility to be more active and compassionate throughout my community.
Nate Lewis, Age 17:
Overall it was a very interesting experience. The topic of immigration for many Americans is an enigmatic pillar in our current political and cultural environment. Being in the courthouse where people take the oath of renouncement of their country of origin makes the topic much more substantial than its watered down portrayal. I’ve spent hours either reading or watching documentaries relevant to this prevalent topic, but once I was in the room with the people it suddenly all felt superficial. All the images and narrative that we collectively absorb in reality was based in a manufactured perception. The ethnic demographic, the processes, and significance are all warped. To see families perilously work toward something that you were born into imparts an undeniable feeling of gratitude.
The Maroon 