In the COVID-19 era, they become citizens in a drive-through
Unable to become U.S. citizens the traditional way in this age of coronavirus, people take the oath of allegiance in a drive-through ceremony.
Talia Han, 1, hugs mom Thao Pham, who has just taken the oath of allegiance in a drive-through naturalization ceremony in Laguna Niguel. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
U.S. citizenship officer Rochelle Reyes, right, administers the oath of allegiance to Thao Pham in Laguna Niguel. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A small line of cars waits as U.S. citizenship officer Newton Perez administers the oath of allegiance. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Keith and Angela Burnett, who moved to Dana Point from England 40 years ago, take the oath of allegiance. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Suely Franciose, right, and her husband, Luis Cervantes, celebrate his new citizenship. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Tuyen Nguyen, who immigrated to Garden Grove from Vietnam, takes a celebatory photo with his wife, Chi Tran, and children. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Joe Campobasso, who immigrated from Italy in 1958 and lives in Costa Mesa, celebrates after becoming a U.S. citizen. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Los Angeles Times staff photographer Allen J. Schaben is an award-winning journalist capturing a wide range of images over the past 34 years. Before joining The Times, he honed his craft at the Detroit Free Press, Dallas Morning News, Wichita Eagle and Connecticut Post. Schaben earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1993.
