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New citizens celebrated

By Joseph Abraham
Posted 1/28/22

MONTICELLO –– Fifteen years ago Yenny Johanna Lozano Animero came to Monticello from Colombia, with only $20 in her pocket and a suitcase.

Today, she works with a nearby Migrant …

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New citizens celebrated

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MONTICELLO –– Fifteen years ago Yenny Johanna Lozano Animero came to Monticello from Colombia, with only $20 in her pocket and a suitcase.

Today, she works with a nearby Migrant Education Program, helping children in school.
“I just wanted to change my life and my families’ lives,” she said. “Now I’m helping children who are struggling and improving their lives.

"Here I am 15 years later, finally a citizen and with a totally different life.” 

Thirteen individuals officially became United States citizens in a Naturalization Ceremony on Wednesday in the Legislative Hearing Room of the Government Center.

In addition to Animero, the new citizens are, Hee Jung An, Osman Barahona, Chevaun Alexander Bennett, Sheryl Samanta Stenneth Fraser, Riyenkumar Balvantbhai Patel, Juli Nitesh Patel, Chaya Juravel, Miguel Angel Vargas Aguilar, Yuliet Johana Vasquez Cifuentes, Haibo Wang and Khaled Yousef Yousef.

Yuliet, who works with the WIC program and is also from Colombia, told the Democrat that she’s been here for a decade.

“This is a big step in my life because we don’t have a lot of good opportunities in our countries,” she said, adding that she has a son and also wanted better for him.

Aguilar, who has been in Sullivan County since 1990 and works at Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills as a facility technician, is originally from Guatemala.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I’m very glad to finally get to the end of this road and become a U.S. citizen, especially for my girls.” 

Sullivan County Court Judge Hon. James Farrell presided over the ceremony and County Clerk Russell Reeves administered the Oath of Allegiance. Lori Orestano-James sang “God Bless America” following the ceremony.

Also in attendance was NYS Senator Mike Martucci who shared a few words.

“What makes this country the greatest country in the world is its diversity,” said Martucci, “and it’s the rich history of the people that make up this country that make it so special. So it is my esteemed honor to welcome you all as new citizens to this country.”

Martucci added that another reason America is so special is that you don’t have to be born here to be an American.

“To be American, you can do exactly what you've done and just come here and can contribute in a very significant way to what makes this country so wonderful.”

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