Dozens become US citizens in first-ever naturalization ceremony at Chicago Midway airport: 'It means everything'
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Wednesday, over twenty individuals from various nations celebrated the significant milestone of becoming U.S. citizens during a ceremony held at Midway airport.

Some said they’ve waited a long time for this special moment.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This occasion marked the first time a naturalization ceremony took place at an airport in Chicago, and the new citizens expressed that it was the perfect setting to fulfill their lifelong aspirations.

“It means everything. It means like I do belong from here, truly, fully,” Daria Rum said.

It was a day she’s waited a decade for.

“I moved when I was 19, and I basically grew up in this country,” Rum said.

One of the new citizens, Rum, is the first in her family to achieve American citizenship. She shared her excitement by sending videos to her parents in Russia immediately following the ceremony.

“Now I can actually bring them here,” Rum said. “They’re proud, and they’re very excited that they’ve been waiting for that day for me. It’s my second birthday today.”

Over 25 Chicago-area residents from six countries, including Jordan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain and Yemen, were sworn in as U.S. citizens Wednesday.

RELATED: Over 100 from 34 countries take oath of allegiance to become US citizens in Joliet

The ceremony was intentionally held at Midway airport for the first time: a gathering place for those in Chicago and across the world.

“They should have the confidence of knowing that we’re happy to see them, and we want them, and that they have a place here, and that there is room for compassion and kindness,” Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said.

As each new citizen grabbed their certificates, some say they want to use this moment to motivate others of the importance of immigration in a deeply divided American society.

“Let’s demonstrate to this bigger country that we can become good citizens,” Silvia Garcia said.

“They do see how important and satisfying it is to be part of a nation that, you know, for all its worth, tries to do what’s right,” Pallmeyer said.

Those like Garcia, born and raised in Mexico, say they want their stories to be examples for immigrant families to never give up on their American dreams.

“It doesn’t let me forget what I’m coming from,” Garcia said. “Just encourage them to stay stronger, they can do it. They can do it.”

Those in charge of the ceremony said another reason they did it at Midway was community engagement.

They say it’s often travelers’ first time seeing a naturalization ceremony.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Portland City Council considers how to boot ICE out of city facility

Portland City Council Explores Options to Remove ICE from City Facility

Portland’s city council, known for its progressive stance, is examining options to…
Small plane crashes into Florida neighborhood

Dramatic Footage: Home Security Camera Captures Small Plane Crash in Florida

A small plane crash in Florida was captured in a dramatic home…
Georgia Police Department in Mourning After Beloved K-9 Dies in Tragic Way

Georgia Police Department Grieves Loss of Beloved K-9 in Heartbreaking Incident

In a statement released on Facebook by the Dade County Sheriff’s office…
DEA, FBI seize $10 million in cryptocurrency 'directly linked to the Sinaloa cartel'

DEA and FBI Confiscate $10 Million in Cryptocurrency Tied to Sinaloa Cartel

The Justice Department reported that in Florida, over $10 million in cryptocurrency…
Recycled plastic bottles used to build classrooms, building for Hinsdale woman Kellie O'Brien's School for the Maasai in Africa

Recycled Plastic Bottles Construct Classrooms for Maasai Community by Hinsdale’s Kellie O’Brien

HINSDALE, Ill. (WLS) — ABC7’s Tracy Butler first sat down with Kellie…
Meet Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Your New Princess Zelda And Link In Nintendo’s Upcoming Live-Action ‘Legend Of Zelda’ Movie

Introducing Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as the New Princess Zelda and Link in Nintendo’s Upcoming Live-Action ‘Legend of Zelda’ Film

The live-action Legend of Zelda film has finally found its lead stars…
A group of people enjoying a French-themed lunch outdoors.

Over 50% of Americans Appreciate the French Lifestyle, with Optimal Work-Life Balance Being the Most Admired Aspect, Survey Reveals

A majority of Americans hold the French lifestyle in high regard, particularly…
ABC7 Chicago Job: Desk Assistant

Director/Stage Manager Position Available at ABC7 Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7/WLS, the ABC Owned Television station in Chicago, IL,…
Waldorf-Astoria brings back NYC’s 'grand hotel' style

Waldorf-Astoria Revives the Iconic ‘Grand Hotel’ Atmosphere in NYC

The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s September reopening, five years later than first planned, will…
Fire crews along Grand Canyon are trying to save cabins after loss of historic lodge

Firefighters Strive to Preserve Cabins Near Grand Canyon Following Historic Lodge Loss

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — On Tuesday, firefighting crews worked…
Police officer speaking with two men outside a Safeway.

Shocking Footage Reveals Dad Travis Decker’s Eerie Conversation with Driver Days Before Allegedly Killing His 3 Daughters

Recently released police video captures Travis Decker engaging in conversation with an…
Watch What Happens on the House Floor After Speaker Johnson Announces OBBB Passage

Breaking News: Speaker Johnson Discusses Epstein Documents

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has been reported by Politico on…