Naturalization Ceremony

The federal government bureaucracy often takes its share of criticism for red tape, inordinate delays and for having, as a collective body, a penchant for unfeeling, impolite communications.

Not so on Dec. 13.

The Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the U.S. Justice Department began three days of naturalization ceremonies to swear in some 18,000 new citizens at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I was there in the first group at 8 o’clock and it was an incredible experience.

From standing in line to enter the Convention Center (converted to a federal court for the occasion) until I left with my Certificate of Naturalization two hours later--the process was handled with exceptional efficiency and dignity towards all of the 18,000 in that group. Volunteers from the Philippines War Veterans ably helped to gather and guide the myriad of excited applicants into the center.

Inside, polite, (yes, polite) INS management and processing staff along with the Justice Department and the eloquent judge provided a truly moving ceremony culminating in the issuance of certificates to the new citizens with a friendly “congratulations” to each. I must not forget the pleasant ushers inside the hall. Demonstrating volunteerism again at its best--the ladies were from a local Catholic Charities group offering their time, efforts and smiles to assist the smooth turning of the cogs and wheels of bureaucracy.

I’m proud to be an American and pleased to tell you how efficiently the government can work and how pleasant government employees can be. Congratulations to all my fellow “new citizens” and a special thank you to the men and women who made Dec. 13 so special a day.

BARRY NOBLE

Lancaster