Story perspectives

46 New Americans Celebrate Citizenship in Akron Ceremony

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 8, 2025, 46 people became U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony at the Akron Public Library in Akron, Ohio, hosted by Congresswoman Emilia Sykes.
Among the new citizens was Jesus Soto, who immigrated from Mexico at age four and faced a lengthy citizenship process.
Soto celebrated his status by saying, “now I get to call myself an American,” and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes highlighted immigration reform to create a more reliable process.

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Story summary

On December 8, 2025, 46 people became U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony at the Akron Public Library in Akron, Ohio, hosted by Congresswoman Emilia Sykes.
Among the new citizens was Jesus Soto, who immigrated from Mexico at age four and faced a lengthy citizenship process.
Soto celebrated his status by saying, “now I get to call myself an American,” and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes highlighted immigration reform to create a more reliable process.