What does it mean to be a new American?

LOS ANGELES - What does it mean to be an American?

"It means everything."

That was the response newly minted U.S. citizens gave over and over again at a huge naturalization ceremony in Los Angeles. 

Three thousand, seven hundred candidates for citizenship from 126 countries, along with their friends and families — many waving small flags — crowded into a cavernous hall at the L.A. Convention Center for the mass swearing-in on June 16.

As a magnet for immigrants, Los Angeles has been dubbed "the new Ellis Island." This year, according to immigration authorities, more than 100,000 people in the Los Angeles area — about one-fifth of the half million who take the oath every year in this country — will be sworn in as new American citizens.

"It's the most important day of my life," said Glenn Myers, a 54-year-old data-processing administrator originally from Belize, "Being in the greatest democracy in the world, there is no better country that I'd rather be in."

Myers came to the United States in 1973 seeking, and finding, a better life than he had back home.  His wife, Laurine, also from Belize, became a U.S. citizen in February.  They have five children and seven grandchildren and are looking forward to retirement, spending more time with their family and traveling across the country.

Laurine Myers said the ceremony left her with goose bumps.  "I felt like crying," she said. "It's very sentimental to me.  I take it deeply and personally."

Both of them say they're thankful for the opportunities they've had in the U.S. "My hope for the next five to ten years is to be a millionaire,” said Glenn, clad in a festive tropical shirt. “Seriously."

A bittersweet day
After taking the oath of citizenship, Martha Escalante, 49, reflected on the bittersweet mix of feelings the day evoked.

"It was very emotional," she said.

Originally from El Salvador, Escalante came to America in 1968 with her mother. A brother, Adalberto, serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, had successfully petitioned the government to grant them legal residency; however, Adalberto was killed in combat the following year and Martha said life here has had its share of tragedies and hardships. 

Divorced for 17 years, she raised four children as a single mother while working as a medical billing agent and collector.  "I've been contributing to this country for 40 years," she said, "and now it's time to do it one hundred percent."

Her main regret, she said, is that her mother died in April and didn't live to see this day.  "But … wherever she is,” she added, “she's going to be happy."

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