[photo courtesy of https://www.amexpattax.com%5D
If you have been following The Chicago Files for a while, you will no doubt know that I talk a lot about my observations, musings, and general findings here in Chicago.
Well my dear readers, today’s post is of a more personal nature. Today, I became a U.S. Citizen! I am now a dual-citizen, holding citizenship in the United States and Canada. This afternoon I attended an Oath Ceremony. There were people from approximately 40 countries (about 130 people taking the Oath along with yours truly) in attendance. It was a wonderful greeting, and very moving.
I could feel the nervousness, excitement, and anticipation fill the room. It was a surreal experience, to be sure. I loved every minute of it.
Before we received our Naturalization Certificates, every country represented was called in alphabetical order. From Albania to Zimbabwe, we stood when our country of origin was called. I was one of two Canadians present. I was astonished at the global coverage of soon-to-be U.S. Citizens.
The gratitude I feel as I write this post is beyond my ability to describe in words.
Bless the United States and Canada; I have the honor and privilege of calling them both my home.
[photo courtesy of http://tobifairley.com%5D
The Chicago Files 
Congratulations and Timmies and Timbits for everyone!!!!!!
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*LOL* Thank you so much!! I’ll drink (coffee) to that!!! Cher xo
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Let’s just hope that it was some Timmy’s… lol!
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Sadly, no! I sure am wishing for a Timmy’s right now, though!! *biggest grin* Cher xo
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This is great news, congratulations! Welcome home – to your other home!! 🙂
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Awh, thank you so much, John! It feels absolutely fantastic!! Cher xo
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Congratulations, Cher! It’s good to have you officially on our side. 🙂
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*LOL* Thank you, Mike! I am incredibly grateful!!! Cher xo
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Oh,congratualations! How wonderfully exciting 🙂 I wish I lived in Canada or the USA. xx
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Ah, thank you, Adam! I am extremely fortunate to now be a dual citizen of U.S. and Canada. I do realize how lucky I am. Cher xo
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Gosh,you can go where the good weather is. you lucky lady. xox
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*biggest grin* I am lucky beyond words, Adam, and I am very grateful and humbled! Cher xo
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Congratulations! Woohoo!!!! (And Chicago is my most favorite US city. It has a special place in my heart!)
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Ah, bless! Thank you so much! I feel the same way!! And I truly feel so incredibly grateful and appreciative. Cher xo
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Congratulations Cher!! I’m glad to hear you can be have dual-citizenship. I didn’t think the US let you do that. That’s great that they do. Good for you!!
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Thank you so much! Yes, the United States allows dual citizenship with Canada. There are some countries that the United States will allow this duality, and some it won’t. I am extremely fortunate! Cher xo
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Hey that’s wonderful. I’m glad you took the time and much trouble to do it. Now you can vote.
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Thank you so much! As a matter of fact, I registered to vote right outside the Oath Ceremony Auditorium! That is extremely important to me!! Cher xo
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That’s awesome Cher!!! You’re an Americanadian!!! So pleased for you!!! Congrats and big hugs!!! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Donna! I am absolutely over the moon about it!! Big hugs back, Cher xo
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Congratulations!
I hope you can find a fitting life-balance of timbits and White Castle burgers.
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Thank you so much, Joseph! Ah yes, it is always about the balance, isn’t it? Cher xo
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Congratulations! That is just wonderful. I love America very much! I miss living there! I’ll return one of these days haha. Anyhow, I am very happy for you :).
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Thank you so much, Rob! Ah, I didn’t know you lived in the US before! I am extremely lucky and grateful!! Cher xo
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Congratulations Cher. What a privilege that must be for you. I think it’s wonderful. 🙂
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Thank you so much, dear Don! Oh yes, it is a wonderful privilege and I am so fortunate! Truly, I am filled with gratitude! Cher xo
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Open the champagne! HOORAH!
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Wahoo! *LOL* Thank you so much, Billy Ray!! Cher xo
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Congratulations, Cher, you must be delighted! Just a query – I thought the US didn’t allow dual citizenship because when the Dirty Digger Murdoch became a US citizen he had to renounce Australian citizenship. Has it changed since then or are Canadians seen as cousins and close buddies?
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Thank you so much, Mo! Ah, a very good question indeed my dear! There are some countries who have an agreement with the United States and are allowed to keep their home country citizenship when they become U.S. Citizens. Canada is one of those countries, but I believe Australia is not. There are quite a number of countries who have the dual citizenship agreement with the U.S. Here is a list of the countries on the “yes” list and the “no” list:
http://www.immihelp.com/citizenship/dual-citizenship-recognize-countries.html
Cher xo
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oh you American you!
time to put the kettle on and relax a little 🙂
great to be with you again on a Friday night 🙂
love love
Nx
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Ah my dear Niki! Thank you so much! Right then, kettle on and relax!! You too, my dear! Cher xo
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Oh Sweet Angel,
have missed you much
Nx
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Congrats! I love it here in Canada 🙂
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Thank you, Christy! And welcome to The Chicago Files!! Cher xo
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Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen.
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Congratulations Seaangel444, and welcome to the family.
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Congratulations! Hot dogs all around! 🙂
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*LOL* Thank you!! And of course I have to make mine a, “Chicago-style”! *grin* Cher xo
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Woo-hoo! I’m happy for you!
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Woo-hoo!!! Yeay! Thank you, Brenda!! Cher xo
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Félicitations… so you don’t forget your roots, eh!
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Ah, thank you so much! No, I sure won’t forget my roots! No doubt about that, eh!! xoxo
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Congratulations, my friend. That is wonderful. I’ve been thinking about my own naturalization (at 18) this wk after seeing a post on this topic. I remember being impressed that the judge was so kind. He had a nice smile for us all in that colorful room. It wAs a special moment.
Love,
Diana
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Awh, thank you so much, Diana! That is so incredibly thoughtful of you. Ah, what a wonderful memory! Such a special and important moment. Thank you for sharing this with me, Diana! I feel so grateful to be a U.S. Citizen! Love Cher xo
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this is really great. congratulations
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Ah, thank you so much, Eddie!!! Cher xo
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Thank you for visiting my blog and liking one of my posts. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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Thank you, dear Natalie! Blessings to you, Cher xo
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Whenever I see this Oath ceremony I get positively misty eyed. 🙂
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Ah, Jackie, yes, I know exactly what you mean! I wore waterproof mascara and now I know why! *grin* Cher xo
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Congratulations!!! America is everyone, that’s what a lot of people from other countries forget. They are us and we are them:) America IS the United Nations…LOL You said it beautifully, my fellow Chicagoan:) Lovely post.
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Awh, thank you so much, dear! And how wonderful are your comments! Perfectly stated! I concur completely, my fellow Chicagoan!! Truly, I am extremely blessed to be part of two magnificent nations!! Big hugs, Cher xo
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