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November 19, 2019, Chicago – Sister Xiomara Méndez-Hernández, OP, was one of more than 34,000 people to become United States citizens in mid-September during 316 Naturalization Ceremonies nationwide in celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. She participated in the Naturalization Ceremony at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office in Chicago.
“People were in tears,” Sister Xiomara recalled. “I saw a lot of gratefulness and a lot of accomplishment. For me, it was a commitment.”
Sister Xiomara met the Adrian Dominican Sisters in her home country, the Dominican Republic, and was an Adrian Dominican Associate for three years before she entered the Congregation in 2008. At that time, she had her own fashion design business. She now ministers as a chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.
Deciding to become a U.S. citizen was a “discernment,” Sister Xiomara said. She had been a resident of the United States for seven years – that was two years beyond her eligibility for citizenship. “For some reason I was comfortable being a resident.”
“Not many people have the blessing and privilege of going to the next step” of citizenship, Sister Xiomara said. “It was a long process,” Sister Xiomara recalled. “The Congregation had to send a letter saying I’m part of the Congregation and a resident in good faith ... and also proof of work, that I was working full-time and was an asset to this country.”
Sister Xiomara had her fingerprints and picture taken in January and was given information on the test she would take in August. “I had to memorize 100 questions – a lot of history of the United States.” She studied for the test while driving, with the help of a CD and an app. “I could recite every answer,” she said. She received word right after taking the test that she had passed and waited to learn the date of the Naturalization Ceremony.
Sister Xiomara recalled the kindness she received from immigration officials during the process of becoming a citizen. “They greeted me with so much dignity and respect,” she said. “It was a very good experience.”
Being a citizen makes it easier for her to travel overseas, Sister Xiomara said. Before, she had to apply for a special visa every time she traveled to Europe. “If you are a North American citizen, you don’t need a visa for so many places,” she added.
But Sister Xiomara sees an even greater advantage to being a U.S. citizen. “Being a citizen gives me a chance to have a full voice in this country.” She recalled being hesitant to speak out as a resident. “Now I have a voice for the voiceless who don’t have a pathway to citizenship,” she said. “I’m praying so hard and consistently so the [immigrants] don’t have to be afraid any more. This is my hope and my dream.”
“I feel a part of all of you – all of my Sisters who are native citizens,” Sister Xiomara added. “We are united for justice, for peace, and for reverence of life. I see more power to do this now as a citizen.”
By Sister Marie Skebe, OP
September 3, 2019, West Palm Beach, Florida – A delegation of five Adrian Dominican Sisters and one Associate accompanied Sister Margarita Ruiz, OP, to her Naturalization Ceremony, conducted August 22, 2019, by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
As the group arrived at the site of the Naturalization Ceremony in West Palm Beach, Florida, Sister Mary Ann Caulfield, OP, Chapter Prioress, wrapped Sister Margarita in a red scarf sent with love by Sister Donna Baker, OP, who could not be present for the ceremony.
The ambiance at the 1:00 p.m. ceremony was formal, yet warm and welcoming. Seventy-six persons from 24 countries stood as their country’s name was called and then, as a group, said the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This was followed by the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by all present. The group included young couples who brought their children, who were invited to the stage to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The new citizens were then given important information regarding their rights and responsibilities. Rights included voting and the freedom to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship. Responsibilities included supporting and defending the Constitution and participating in the democratic process and in their local communities. The new citizens were also reminded that they may sponsor family members to come to the United States. The ceremony concluded with the singing of “God Bless the USA.”
Later in the afternoon, nine Sisters and one Associate gathered for a true American celebration with all the decorations, dinner, and Bingo. The celebrants were quick to congratulate Sister Margarita and to express their pride in the new U.S. citizen.
“One of the things I appreciate the most is the possibility to participate in a democratic country,” Sister Margarita said. “I love the statement which declares that no one is above the law. I am delighted that I will be able to vote.”
A native of the Dominican Republic, Sister Margarita and her sister, Sister Teresita Ruiz, OP, are both Adrian Dominican Sisters. Before coming to the United States in 2013, Sister Margarita taught seminarians of various religious congregations at the Dominican Institute of Theology in her native country. She now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida.