Oh say can you see … a lion?
Nearly three dozen children became American citizens Friday during a special swearing-in ceremony at the Bronx Zoo.
Some 32 kids ranging in age from 5 to 13 took their naturalization oath at the famed New York City landmark.
“To anybody who has a problem with immigrants, just look at this picture,” said Rep. José Serrano in the keynote speech. “America got stronger today, and it will continue to be strong, because of people like you who just became Americans today.”
No animals could be seen from the ceremony location, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the children and their parents.
“I’m happy,” said Joanna Pouoban, a Brooklyn 8-year-old who hails from Cameroon. “It means a lot to me because I was the only one in my family who wasn’t American.”
Joanna said she dreams of becoming a doctor to “help the injured children.”
Joanna’s father, Valery Fosse, who became a U.S. citizen last year, beamed with pride.
“Sometimes I felt like she was alone. I was afraid to show her our other passports,” Fosse said.
“But today I feel free that I can speak to her using one name for all: American.”
Khaliel Myrie, 11, was born in Jamaica before moving to the Bronx with her family eight years ago.
“I’m happy and excited,” Khaliel said.
Khaliel’s mother Erica Brown-Myrie and father Wayne Myrie, both of whom became citizens last year, were at the zoo to see their daughter join them as newly-minted Americans.
“Even though people are different, that unites us as Americans,” said Brown-Myrie.
“That’s something to be proud of especially in this political climate. Nobody can take that away from her.”
Hovhannes Malatchanyan, a 10-year-old from Armenia who now lives in Brooklyn, gave a proud thumbs-up after the ceremony.
“(We came here) for us to have a better life,” he said.
Hovhannes’ mother Susanna said she was thrilled to witness her son become an American.
“It’s just so exciting that he became a citizen,” she said.
