In July many communities in the United States traditionally hold naturalization ceremonies for new American citizens. Today on New American Voices you'll meet Alec Zama, born in Moldova in Eastern Europe, who took the oath of citizenship at one such ceremony held recently in the midwestern state of Iowa.
The ceremony at which Alec Zama became a new American citizen was simple and direct.
The decision to apply for American citizenship was not an easy one for Alec Zama, but in the end there were a number of reasons why he did.
Mr. Zama applied for citizenship a year and a half ago by filling out an application for naturalization form, which asked for biographical data and information on what he had done since coming to the United States. This was followed by an interview with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Before being called to take the oath of allegiance, Alec Zama, like all applicants for citizenship, had to pass a test.
Mr. Zama came to the United States in 1994. He says the country was not at all what he had expected.
It was not only the people that were a surprise to Alec Zama when he arrived in the United States.
After six years in America, some of Alec Zama's views of this country, and his expectations of it, have changed.
And what were Alec Zama's feelings on giving up his Moldovan citizenship and becoming an American?
Next week in this program - a look at a different group of new Americans. They are refugees, who come to this country fleeing persecution in their native land