McMINNVILLE, Ore. (KOIN) — Fifty people from other countries who have been living and working in Oregon and Washington became US citizens Wednesday, one day after a stunning presidential election.
The ceremony comes in the wake of the campaign when mean-spirited things were said about Hispanics, Muslims and immigrants from around the world.
The newly-minted US citizens have green cards and, in some case, have lived and worked as lawful, permanent residents for more than 20 years.
Two new citizens who spoke with KOIN 6 News said that, despite what they’ve heard, they feel confident President-elect Trump will treat all immigrants with the respect they’ve earned.
“I have hope that despite what Trump said that he will surround himself with good people who will educate him about who we are and why are we here for,” said Jamila Elatchi, a Moroccan-born US citizen.