20 New U.S. Citizens Naturalized In Tulsa Ceremony

Twenty people were naturalized as U.S. Citizens Thursday in an event at Tulsa City Hall, as part of “Welcoming Week” to help immigrants become successful U.S. citizens.

These ceremonies have been a hallmark of Mayor G.T. Bynum's administration, with 1,407 citizens taking the oath at City Hall since his election.

The City Council Chamber was filled with well-wishers, supporting family and friends as they became citizens, representing countries all over the globe.

For all of them, it was a long process of waiting, with lots of paperwork in the final year.

Adna Diab of Syria took the oath at 86 years old.

“He had the green card for 15 years, twice, renewed, so it's been quite a journey,” his nephew said.

Valeria Mica of Venezuela said she sought asylum seven years ago and has since married and settled in Broken Arrow.

“Finally today, I can finally say I'm a U.S. citizen, it feels nice, feels good to say that,” she said.

The new citizens were welcomed by Mayor Bynum, who has often said these events are among the happiest things that happen at City Hall.

“So today was a very beautiful today and I'm glad to be a U.S. citizen,” said Maher Ayoub, of Jordan.

“I felt like I needed to have more involvement in the community and for my areas of interest, it was important to become a U.S. citizen,” said Wendy Jones, a native of the United Kingdom. “I've enjoyed my time here so far and hope to be here for many more years.”

A schedule of other “Welcoming Week” activities can be found here.