WIESBADEN, Germany - As Independence Day neared, a group of U.S. military Soldiers and civilians celebrated their newly recognized U.S. citizenship during a ceremony at the American Consulate in Frankfurt July 2.
"Let me be the first to congratulate you and to welcome you to your new American family," said Karen Fitzgerald, field office director of the consulate's U.S. Citizens and Immigration Service.
"We're thrilled to be part of this. We love naturalization ceremonies -- it's the best part of our job," Fitzgerald said, explaining that last year some 250 U.S. military service and family members were naturalized in Germany and more than a million new U.S. citizens were welcomed overall.
"Because of their military service, we expedite the naturalization service -- because of the commitment they've already made by serving," she said, pointing out that Section 329 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act has a provision that expedites the citizenship process for U.S. military members and their families.
"As America's new citizens, all of you share the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as your fellow citizens," said Randall Budden, the consulate's acting deputy principal officer.
Saying that every citizen has a voice -- "through the ballot box," Budden praised the "hard work and determination" that leads people to achieve U.S. citizenship.
"I think it's really wonderful that we have seven military spouses here today," said Fitzgerald, underscoring the services and sacrifices that all members of the military family make while supporting the U.S. military.
"I feel that the family is complete now," said Wiesbaden's Fabiana Francis, wife of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig Francis, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, explaining that by gaining U.S. citizenship, she joins her American husband and two children who have both German and American citizenship as a fully fledged U.S. citizen.
"I was always drawn to the States," said Fabiana, who was born in Frankfurt, played with American children while growing up and worked as a nanny in Texas. "I feel at home in both countries -- I get the best of both worlds. Now I'll feel like a full American -- especially when I'm in America. I'll have the full rights and responsibilities."
"I'm just so proud of her," said Craig, who will celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary with Fabiana in August.
During the ceremony, consular officials welcomed new U.S. citizens from Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, Germany, the Philippines, Bolivia and Thailand.
"I feel different. Even though people say it's just a ceremony, I feel like a new person," said Pvt. Leopoldo Rabatte, a U.S. Army fueler stationed in Vilseck. "It feels good.
"People say you don't know what you have until you lose it, but I think some people take all of the opportunities of a being an American citizen for granted," Rabatte added, saying he was inspired by his father "who was naturalized about five years ago.
"It means a lot to me personally to become a part of this country," Rabatte said. "There are so many opportunities -- it's just wonderful."
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