Announcement
Amani Mansour and Samer Abdullah become new US Citizens on January 31st, 2019.
Photo: IRC/Victor Constantino
On January 31st, 2019, Amani Mansour and Samer Abdullah beamed as they recited, together, the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America: "I hereby declare, on oath... that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same..."
The couple had a long journey towards this moment, one that began many years before. "My husband and I were born and lived in Iraq for [a] long time, but when the bad situations started and continued... [we] left and went to Syria," said Amani.
While living in Syria, they had many options of countries they could apply for visas to, but dreamed of making a new life in the US. After 2 years and 4 months, the Immigration office in Syria called: they were approved to travel to the US.
Since they arrived in Boise, Amani and Samer have felt right at home. "We loved living in Idaho because their traditions are similar to ours," said Amani, "we never felt that we are foreign [in] this country. We felt peace and quiet which are not found in Iraq or Syria."
On November 3rd, 2018, Amani and Samer attended one of the International Rescue Committee in Boise's "Citizenship Days," where they received assistance from Immigration Caseworker Victor Constantino to successfully apply for Citizenship.
Amani (front row, far right) and Samer (front row, second from right) recite the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, becoming US Citizens.
Photo: IRC/Victor Constantino
"We now have all rights [to] vote, have good jobs, have a best life here, in [other] words, we are good citizens of the United States of America."
In Fiscal Year 2018, the IRC in Boise's Immigration department assisted 463 individuals to successfully become US Citizens. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance with applications for Citizenship, Green Card, Family Reunification, DACA renewals, and/or more, call (208) 559-6825. Or, you can stop by the IRC in Boise on Mondays any time between 10am-7pm for a free, no appointment necessary consultation with an Immigration Caseworker.