AMHERST — Amherst College professors and married couple Daniel Kojo Schrade and Anna Schrade came to the United States in 2007. When they tell their friends back in Germany about their decision to become American citizens, their friends pity the couple.
“Oh my God, you live in the United States, I’m so sorry,” they hear from them.
That’s why instead the Schrades say, “We live in Massachusetts.”
The couple both received their citizenship papers among a group of 34 people Wednesday in the Munson Memorial Library. The naturalization ceremony took place on Constitution Day, the 239th anniversary of the Constitution’s signing. Given the current climate of immigration under the Trump administration, several new citizens declined to be interviewed.
The room was packed with people from a variety of nations and heritages, from Norway to India to Tibet. Occasionally, babies cried, as there were many families in the room. One child clapped his hands in the center aisle, obviously soaking up the positive energy.
The Schrades said they love living in Amherst because of the higher education opportunities and other prospects the area offers. Their children attended Amherst Regional High School, where they learned English, and went on to attend Hampshire College.
“It’s really just a wonderful place for young people to learn, and it was very impressive coming from Germany,” said Anna. “And it’s so diverse. Amherst is really a diverse place. People from all over the world are living here.”
Daniel also cited the robust atmosphere of democracy in the area. The couple has been in the country since 2007, and the ability to vote was a leading motivator for gaining citizenship, which they accomplished over three years. They got in contact with U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern to help.
“The help was tremendous, and we are not used to that in Germany,” said Daniel.
Therese Normandin, a native of Norway who now lives in Fitchburg, said, “It was a long process,” adding that she is feeling “very good.”
Applicants submit a 14-page application, pay a $760 application fee, go through an FBI criminal records check, and finally appear for a personal background interview in English at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
If the examiner determines that the applicant can speak, read and write English, knows the fundamentals of U.S. history and government, and meets the legal qualifications for citizenship, the applicant is scheduled for an oath ceremony like the one held Thursday.
The honorable Christopher L. Morgan, magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, presided over the oath the new citizens made, pledging allegiance to the United States.
The day’s speakers included Democratic state legislators Sen. Jo Comerford and Rep. Mindy Domb. Koby Gardner Levine, a regional manager from U.S. Rep. McGovern’s office, also addressed the room.
The speakers encouraged those in the room to register to vote. Domb also encouraged those present to get a library card.
“You will swear several vows of allegiance to the United States, but there is so much that is not your oath,” said Levine, speaking on behalf of McGovern. “You will not be asked to swear off the art, music, food, or traditions of your country of origin, and instead we ask you to bring your heritage here to enrich our society and expand our horizons.”
Michael Elliott, Amherst College president, cited Abraham Lincoln in his speech and said that to be an American is to adhere to the principle that all men are created equal.
“You did not inherit citizenship, you chose it. You did not absorb it in the bloodstream; you studied for it, you waited for it. And in many cases, you crossed oceans and years for it,” he said.
Lynne Weintraub, ESL coordinator at the library, shared that immigrants cite freedom of speech and religion as reasons to immigrate to America, as well as the opportunities and room to grow America offers.
She said hearing testimonies is a “guaranteed pick-me-up.”
“It’ll bring a smile to your face, maybe a tear in your eye, but best of all, it’ll give you hope,” Weintraub said.
