Petitioners from around the world take oath of U.S. citizenship in Abingdon

Immigrants were sworn in recently as new citizens. The judge told them to keep their own religion, teach their language to their children and register to vote. - - Donna Poisl

By Michael Owens | Reporter / Bristol Herald Courier

ABINGDON, Va. – Francisca Loiola Turner has dreamed of becoming a U.S. citizen since she was a 7-year-old growing up in Brazil. Sparking the dream was a television spot featuring an American translating English into Portuguese, the native tongue of Brazil.

“I told my mom, one day I’m going to learn that language and go to that place,” Turner recalled Friday, as her dream was realized.

Turner, who now lives in Bristol, was surrounded by 21 other immigrants as they all swore the oath of citizenship Friday at the U.S. District Court in Abingdon.
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