US welcomes 33 new citizens at Indianapolis Motor Speedway ceremony

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Identical to 33 drivers take the inexperienced flag within the Indianapolis 500, 33 individuals on Tuesday took the inexperienced flag to change into U.S. residents.

It was the primary time a naturalization ceremony has occurred on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Cristian Ramirez mentioned, “The entire expertise was wonderful.”

Dozens of immigrants representing 18 completely different nations — together with China, Mexico, El Salvador, Haiti and Nigeria — took an oath and have become naturalized residents of the US whereas surrounded by family members, race followers, and neighborhood leaders.

Ramirez, a Bloomington resident, mentioned, “That is the land of the goals, so we’ve bought to attain these goals and that’s what we’re about right here.”

Ramirez says he moved from Mexico to Indiana looking for a greater life, “It’s a actually powerful course of, an extended, lengthy, course of. It took 5 years to be right here, however we lastly made it and we’re actually proud to be Americans now.”

Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, mentioned, “Our 2018 Indy 500 winner was born in Australia and in January of 2019 he did simply what you guys did and Will Energy grew to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. We’re so happy with the chance to host you right here right this moment. We’re so happy with every of you and we’re wanting ahead to serving to you alongside the best way.”

Lexy Funes, an Indianapolis resident, moved from El Salvador to the US years in the past. Funes says turning into a citizen was an extended course of, however one which was definitely worth the wait. “I waited virtually 10 years for this course of, however I did it. Lastly, I did.”