Full Breakdown
New Citizens Celebrate Naturalization in Pittsburgh
2/28/2026, 3:04:05 AM
Naturalization Ceremony Highlights Diversity and Hope
On a recent Friday morning, 28 immigrants from 18 different nations were naturalized as U.S. citizens during a ceremony held at the federal courthouse in Downtown Pittsburgh. Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Gregory Taddonio presided over the event, emphasizing the vibrancy and freedoms that the United States offers. The ceremony provided a stark contrast to the prevailing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among immigrants due to the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Among the new citizens was Sandra Viviana Wise-Rosas, who has been pursuing her citizenship since 2009. Originally from Colombia, Wise-Rosas arrived in the U.S. on a student visa to attend St. Mary’s University and later earned a master’s degree in engineering from Dartmouth University. Her husband, Adam Wise, noted that it was always her parents' dream for her to live and work in the United States.
Personal Journeys to Citizenship
Wise-Rosas expressed her excitement about obtaining her American passport, which she plans to acquire shortly after the ceremony. She highlighted the limitations she faced as a non-citizen, recalling a family trip to Niagara Falls where they could only stay on the American side due to visa requirements. "I can’t wait to travel," she stated.
Another new citizen, Muhammad Ali, originally from Pakistan, shared his positive experience, stating that his journey to citizenship, which began five years ago after marrying an American citizen, was "a beautiful journey." Rasha Totolos, a Jordanian by birth, also celebrated her naturalization, recalling her path that included studying in the U.S. and marrying her husband George after a virtual meeting. Both Ali and Totolos noted that their immigration processes were relatively smooth.
Community Support and Engagement
The ceremony included the recitation of the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance, which resonated deeply with the new citizens. Totolos remarked, "It was all very beautiful," reflecting the emotional significance of the day. Volunteers from the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the League of Women Voters were present to assist the new citizens with voter registration, with 21 individuals registering on-site.
Judge Taddonio encouraged the new citizens to remember those still striving for citizenship and to honor their native cultures and languages. He urged them to actively participate in shaping the future of their new homeland, stating, "Now, it is your turn."
Conclusion: A Day of Joy and Reflection
The naturalization ceremony not only marked a significant milestone for the new citizens but also served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. In 2025, the Western District of Pennsylvania is expected to naturalize around 900 new citizens, highlighting the continuous influx of individuals seeking a new life in America. The event underscored the importance of community support and the shared aspirations of those who have fought to become part of the nation.
