Cleveland, OH

The American Dream can be found in a downtown Cleveland naturalization ceremony

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2024

The American Dream can be found in a downtown Cleveland naturalization ceremony

The city’s diversity and uniquely welcoming atmosphere make it a beacon of inspiration for the international community

New American citizens celebrate during a naturalization ceremony at the Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters. [Photo by Anna Maria Hamm]

On March 21, a cold spring day in downtown Cleveland, you could still feel the warmth in the hearts beating at the Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters. There, 30 individuals from other countries will become American citizens.

For most, this journey took them many years, many miles, or both. Take Eggar Raul for example. He applied just a year ago, but his journey from Mexico started thousands of miles away and his journey to American citizenship took 20 years. At the naturalization ceremony, he had his wife and three children, ranging in age from 3 to 12 years old. celebrating with him.

Just across the aisle sat Carlos Alessandra Cruz Garcia and his beautiful wife, Linda. Carlos has lived in this country 28 years and decided the time was finally right to become an American Citizen.

When asked what it meant to him to finally have this honor, he replied, “Freedom! It means no more worries, I can finally put my shoulders down. I can vote!”

Carlos met Linda almost 30 years ago online – she was from New York and he was from Guatemala. Linda came from Guatemala as a child and was naturalized immediately. Little did she know she would fall in love and win a scholarship that would take her to college at Case Western Reserve University. The scholarship and her efforts led her to become a social worker and she now works as a trauma therapist. She has been with Carlos for 23 years and sits next to him with immense pride on his day of naturalization. They are living the American dream, they said. But that dream did not come easy and they admit to hardship along the way.

Linda recalls picking Carlos up from multiple restaurants where he worked as a cook. In the past few years, however, he has put down his apron in favor of going into the information technologies field.

First to speak at the ceremony was a representative from Global Cleveland, a nonprofit organization formed in 2011 to advance unity, solidarity, and collective community-building among international newcomers. Their offices are based in downtown Cleveland. According to marketing director Gwendolyn Kochur, “Our job is to ensure that our international community is well cared for. So, we connect international people with opportunities, economic, social, cultural, and make Northeast Ohio a better place for them to call home.”

The naturalization ceremony on March 21 involved new citizens who originally hail from 20 countries – all of whom are now making Cleveland their home. [Photo by Anna Maria Hamm]

Global Cleveland witnessed the naturalization of about 2,600 people in 2023. Cleveland is one of the best places in the country for naturalization, in terms of quick processing time, Kochur said, which makes Cleveland a prime location for growth. Members from Global Cleveland attend every naturalization ceremony, which happens about every two weeks. They provide the new citizens with a packet of resources, letters from the Cleveland Mayor and the Cuyahoga County Executive, and oodles of different information for them so that they can be welcomed properly.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne welcomed the group and spoke about his own father, who was also an immigrant.

“We are a county of 120 different ethnic communities, with origins from places all throughout the world,” Ronayne said. “120 different communities strong, put together as one in Cuyahoga County. We are, in this country, a nation of immigrants. We are, in this county, a county of immigrants. Immigrants continue to help make our economy thrive – 20 percent of our newcomer entrepreneurs are immigrants.”

Ronayne also let the soon-to-be American citizens know that a new welcome center is now open for immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency. The Welcome Center is in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood on Memphis and Fulton Road. A physical place where those new to Ohio, and new to this country, can take the first steps critical to building a future in the United States.

“If they have a leg up on education, on a job opportunity, on a house, we want to be here as a resource to those who might choose Cuyahoga County for their home in the future,” Ronayne said.

The county also partners with outside service agencies, such as Global Cleveland and ReSource Cleveland, to connect residents to resources including housing, job support, educational services, legal support and language services.

Before it was time for the naturalization ceremony, the audience were greeted by Cuyahoga County Council President Parnell Jones.

“We have a saying in the United States, that we are a melting pot. And when you’re a melting pot, I mean, we all come in and we all melt and it’s all the same, and we’re all one unified group,” Jones said. “That’s not really how it played out. That’s not what you see. And that’s not really what happens. I think it’s more like a pot of vegetables, stew, we all bring our own uniqueness to that stew, it doesn’t get lost, doesn’t have to be lost. You are bringing something to this country. Expect that you bring yourself and you will add value to this community. As you live your life worth playing, enjoying this country … all that it has to offer is here for you.”

Finally, the time had come. All 30 immigrants getting naturalized were asked to stand and raise their right hand as the oath was spoken. Those standing represented 20 countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines and Ukraine.

Judge Jonathan de Greenberg, a US Magistrate Judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, swore in participants. Huge applause thundered across the room and hugs were given all around. Each new American citizen was then escorted up to shake hands and take pictures with officials. With hard work and perseverance, they have just begun to live their American dream.

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Cleveland, OH

ICE arrests more than 280 people in Ohio, including convicted criminals

Published

7 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

ICE arrests more than 280 people in Ohio, including convicted criminals

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said ICE arrested more than 280 people during a recent immigration enforcement crackdown.

Operation Buckeye took place throughout the state from Dec. 18 to 21.

The DHS described those arrested as “illegal aliens” and said some are criminals convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, and drug trafficking.

“While Americans were attending Christmas parties and shopping for gifts for their loved ones, ICE law enforcement was hard at work arresting the worst of the worst,” the DHS stated.

ICE arrests more than 280 people in Ohio, including convicted criminals(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

The results of Operation Buckeye was announced on Thursday, the same day anti-ICE protests gathered around Northeast Ohio following the deadly shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

The DHS highlighted these suspects as “some of the worst arrested during Operation Buckeye:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Ohio ICE arrested “Emanuel Guijosa-Nonato, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of liquor, and illegal re-entry.”(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

“Emanuel Guijosa-Nonato, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of liquor, and illegal re-entry,” the DHS described.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Ohio ICE arrested “Andres Blanco Hernandez, a criminal illegal alien arrested for assault and domestic violence.”(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

“Andres Blanco Hernandez, a criminal illegal alien arrested for assault and domestic violence,” the DHS said.

“Wilmar Edgardo Lozano-Alcantara, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador convicted of drug possession, robbery, and trespassing,“ the DHS listed.

“Erick Jose Ramos-Boscan, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela convicted of criminal possession of a firearm,“ according to the DHS.

“Edilmiro Pedraza Quinones, a criminal illegal alien convicted of drug possession, shoplifting and contempt of court,“ the DHS stated.

“Marco Antonio Clemente Picazo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of driving under the influence of liquor and drug possession,“ the DHS shared.

“Melvin Alejandro Rodriguez Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela previously arrested for assault,“ according to the DHS.

“Fernandez Flores, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras convicted of making a false police report and arrested for larceny and obstructing police,“ the DHS described.

“The American people can be so proud of their ICE law enforcement for their hard work arresting the worst of the worst even during the holiday season,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated. “Operation Buckeye resulted in the arrest of more than 280 illegal aliens, including criminals convicted of assaulting a police officer, criminal firearm possession, and drug trafficking. Thanks to our law enforcement, Ohio neighborhoods are safer with these criminals behind bars where they belong.”

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Cleveland, OH

USDLA to Host 39th Distance Learning Conference June 22-25 in Cleveland, OH

Published

19 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

USDLA to Host 39th Distance Learning Conference June 22-25 in Cleveland, OH

An event where leaders, educators, instructional designers and others mingle, discuss e-learning technology and learn from an audience broader than their own.

Unlike impersonal events, the USDLA conference offers a rare opportunity for deep networking with both University Presidents and Curriculum Designers, all sitting at the same table during lunch.”

— Pat Cassella, CEO and Executive Director

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The United States Distance Learning Association is proud to open registration for its 39th annual global distance learning conference. The event is being held in Cleveland, Ohio and the theme is “Universal Harmony: Exploring the Melodic Chords of Distance and Digital Learning.” The host location will be the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower from June 22 – 25th, 2026.

The USDLA National Conference has long been an event where leaders, educators, instructional designers and others mingle, discuss e-learning technology and learn from an audience broader than their own. Past attendees have enjoyed the in-person interactions, hands-on networking and personal relationships made with one another. All registrations include access to the the virtual conference, with sessions being held June 16th-17th, 2026.

The Conference and Events committee is well established and known each year for providing the best experience possible for personalized networking and cutting-edge session tracks. Past attendee feedback plays an instrumental role in planning the details for subsequent events. Universal Harmony: Exploring the Melodic Chords of Distance and Digital Learning focuses on tracks that are in high demand as educators continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies. These tracks include:

– The Digital AI Groove: Exploring Innovative Techniques and Technologies Education
– Backstage Pass to Policy: Navigating Governance and Regulation in Distance Education
– The Headliners: Distance and Digital Leadership on the Higher Education Mainstage
– Open Mic, Open Minds: Ensuring Quality, Flexibility, and Access in Online Learning
– The ID Set List: Curating Best Practices in Instructional Design
– Amplify Every Voice: Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity in Online Education
– The K-12 Playground: Curating Best Practices in the K-12 Space

ALL concurrent sessions are end-user led, and share best practices within the world of distance and digital learning. These presentations will be focused “power sessions” that eliminate fluff and get right into the important details on the topic. Offering more than 30 sessions, topics for 2026 include Reframing Bloom’s for the Age of AI, ADA Compliance for Instructional Designers, Leveraging AI to Design Online Course Modules, AI Roleplay in the Classroom, Composing AI Policy for Responsible, Effective Digital Learning, Digital Harmony and more.

There are also several free pre and post-conference workshops with daily complimentary breakfast and lunch, making this a very cost effective event.

***Conference Registration Rates***
Member Early Bird $495 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
Member Standard $550 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/21/2026)
Member On-site $595 (after 6/21/2026)
Non-Member Early Bird $595 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
Non-Member Standard $650 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/21/2026)
Non-Member On-site $695 (after 6/21/2026)

All USDLA members providing their membership username (email) at time of registration will receive the USDLA Member rate.
Please send any questions to membership@usdla.org

***For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Discount Special (Bundle Savings)***
Purchase 2 registrations, get the 3rd for free ($495 savings)
Purchase 3 registrations, get the 4th and 5th for free ($990 savings)

**Single Day and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event Rates**
One-Day Pass – $299 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event – $199 (includes private tour and cocktail hour)

**Presenter Rates**
On-Site Presenter fee $300 (includes full on-site conference pass)
Virtual Presenter fee $100 (if presenting remotely)
Contact Harriet Watkins for presenter registration code at harriet.watkins@iconnect-na.com

Full details can be found at the national conference registration website.

Keynote: Dr. Michael Torrence, President, Motlow State Community College
Dr. Michael Torrence is a nationally recognized strategist, visionary, writer, and thought leader
in higher education who has redefined institutional excellence through innovation, inclusion, and transformative leadership. Since becoming the seventh President of Motlow State Community College in May 2018, he has transformed the institution into an award-winning, cutting-edge model of academic and workforce innovation.

Featured Presenter: Robbie Melton, Associate Vice President – SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategist
Presenting on “The Tools Shaping the World of Artificial Intelligence”, Dr. Melton has published and presented globally on the impact and value of mobile devices for education and the workforce. Her study of the pedagogy and best teaching practices with mobile devices, quality standards for the utilization of mobile apps, and her creation of the Mobile App Education and Workforce Resource Center has resulted in numerous awards.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event
Join us for an exclusive, private evening of exploring, heavy apps (enough for dinner) and cool beverages. We will kick everything off at 6:30 with shuttles taking attendees to the event from the hotel. Attendees will be given VIP passes (lanyards) with information on what is on each level of the hall. The R&R HOF staff will be our guides for the evening.

Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are tired of large shows with limited attendee engagement, our national conference is an intimate environment where partners are part of the production from the very start, demonstrating their gear as part of the conference production.

The dramatic growth of the distance learning industry makes our market attractive to a variety of technology, content, and service providers. Conference partners proudly support the distance education community and make lifelong contacts in the process.

Full details can be found on the sponsorship opportunities page.

Distance Learning Awards
As the premier organization promoting the use and practice of distance learning, USDLA recognizes “the best of the best” each year with its series of individual and organizational awards. Open to member and non-members alike, nominations are submitted in January, judged by committees of peers, and then awarded as a highlight of USDLA’s National Conference.

A unique aspect of the competition is that the various categories are open on an equal basis to all forms of distance learning platforms, addressing the gamut of distance learning audiences, and from anywhere in the world. That range is illustrated by past awards years where top honors went to a major US university for its innovative design of an online computer science course, “Quantitative Methods for Information Systems” and to a videoconferencing provider in Ghana for expanding the horizons of that country’s K-12 students.

Learn more at the distance learning awards page.

Pat Cassella
United States Distance Learning Association
+1 203-980-6928
email us here
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Learn about our national conference

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