Several new American citizens who will vote for the first time in the Nov. 3 election, like Barbara Patricia Salazar Garcia, Rosa Amelia Mengivar De Juarez, Omar Juarez Gutierrez and Timoteo Gomez, will cast ballots on behalf of more than just themselves.
All four who became American citizens in the past year came to the United States for different reasons. They lived in the country for decades before deciding to become citizens.
Living in Waukegan and other parts of Lake County, Gomez Garcia, De Juarez, and Gutierrez raised families, achieved success in their chosen careers, and became members of their community. They can now vote, but they know others who cannot- non-citizens have a voice, too.
“I’m going to be a voice for those who cannot vote,” Garcia said.
Gomez, Garcia, De Juarez and Gutierrez were among 169 new American Citizens honored by HACES during a celebration Saturday at the College of Lake County’s Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan after they were naturalized during the year ending June 30.
Martha Hernandez, HACES’ program manager for the organization’s New Americans Initiative, said classes are held and counseling is given to guide people through the process of becoming citizens. They are prepared for both the written test and interview they must pass.
“They have achieved a great goal becoming U.S. citizens,” Hernandez said. “We want to celebrate their achievement of completing the last step of their immigration journey.”
Though Hernandez said a large number of the new citizens came to the United States from Mexico and other parts of Latin America, there were people from every continent except Antarctica.
Gutierrez and his wife, De Juarez, said they came to the United States in 1986 fleeing a civil war, violence, and terrorism in El Salvador. He came first, and she said she followed him later in the year with their young child.
Knowing they had a family friend in Lake County, Gutierrez went to work as a maintenance worker in a nursing home, and she cleaned homes. Another child was born, and eventually they were grandparents and great-grandparents.
“I did maintenance there and learned to do more and became the manager,” he said. “Our whole family was here, and with everything that was going on, we wanted more security,” he added, referring to their reason for becoming citizens. “As a citizen, you have more security.”
Gomez is another of the new citizens who came to the U.S. and decided to join his native-born children and grandchildren among the ranks of Americans. He spent 23 years working for a company, Boar’s Head, and was rewarded for his efforts.
“I started as a driver, became a salesman and a manager,” Gomez said.
Arriving in the U.S. from Mexico in 1985, Gomez decided to become a citizen in 2023 and took his oath of citizenship a year ago. He said he believed there is more opportunity for a citizen. He too will vote for the first time in 1985.
“It feels so great,” Gomez said. “My opinion is going to matter,” he added, referring to his new right to vote. “I am so excited about that.”
Welcoming the new citizens, their families, and people from HACES was Jesus Ruiz, the dean of the college’s Lakeshore Campus. He shared his story. Though a citizen since 2000, he immigrated with his family from Mexico when he was 10. He officially earned his doctorate on Sept. 16.
A Waukegan High School graduate, Ruiz arrived with an undocumented father. He said the family gained legal status in 1993 through the Immigration Reform and Control Act signed by then-President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
“There are people who say the American dream is dead,” Ruiz said. “I defended my dissertation last week. I’m living proof it does exist.”
State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, encouraged the new citizens to get involved in their community. She said that as citizens, their voice becomes louder, and with the amplification, there is more responsibility.
“Citizenship is just the starting line,” Dias said. “You can build a better community for those around you. It’s not just about voting. Help your neighbors who need you. When people need help, you have a voice that matters. Look for people who need help and help them.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, talked to the crowd through a video. He shared the story of his grandmother and great-grandparents who were immigrants fleeing anti-Semitism in the Russian Empire more than a century ago. He also encouraged involvement.
“Get involved,” Schneider said. “Help with child services. Don’t be afraid. You have joined us as proud citizens of the United States of America.”
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham also talked to the group through a video. He talked about the city’s long history of welcoming immigrants and offering opportunities for success. He also encouraged participation.
“You arrived bringing a rich culture with you, making it part of Waukegan’s culture,” Cunningham said. “You are part of our community story and vibrancy. Welcome to full participation in our democracy.”