Suha Saman first began pursuing a path to U.S. citizenship over 20 years ago in Jordan. She has spent nearly half her life seeking the right to “speak freely” and “practice religion.”
Jordan was not an active participant in the Gulf War of 1990-1991, but the country’s support of Saddam Hussein led to a repeal of U.S. aid to Jordan and resulted in harsh economic and diplomatic strain.
When asked what American citizenship would change for her, Saman answered, “Everything.” She says being an American citizen changes every interaction, from court dates to grocery shopping.
Saman’s journey finally came to a conclusion Wednesday afternoon at Colonial Williamsburg’s Annual Naturalization Ceremony.
She was one of 88 applicants for U.S. naturalization from 44 countries of origin who took the Oath of Allegiance. U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis of the Eastern District of Virginia administered the oath as the crowd totaling approximately 250 people looked on.
Following the oath, Davis addressed the newly naturalized citizens.
“My fellow citizens,” Davis said with a smile. “I like saying that.”
Saman has seen plenty of ups and downs since she initiated the process of naturalization. She has worked as a private Arabic tutor in the intervening years and watched her parents get naturalized in 2008.
At one point, her paperwork was lost in transit between the embassy staff and the National Visa Center, slowing down the development of her case even further.
Saman says she most looks forward to exercising her full rights as a U.S. citizen and potentially pursuing a career in non-government organizations.
Canadian-American couple Bruce and Lynne Walker became naturalized along with Saman. They view U.S. citizenship as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“It’s been 18 years since we first came to the U.S.,” Bruce Walker said. “It’s easy to become a patriot when things are easy. But, the country has some challenges, and that’s a reason that now we’re looking to be more patriotic.”
Colonial Williamsburg Director of Diversity and Inclusion Sharon Dorsey welcomed the 88 candidates for naturalization to Colonial Williamsburg, where “it is our mission to feed the human spirit by sharing America’s enduring story.”
“You are a representation of the diverse fabric of America,” Dorsey said in her address to the applicants.
The event was hosted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution Williamsburg Chapter.
“I can think of no site more appropriate to become a citizen than the very place America’s story began,” Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Public Affairs Coordinator Anna Cordle said in a statement.
Steve Roberts, Jr. contributed reporting.
