91 immigrants sworn in as citizens during naturalization ceremony in Chicago

After more than 27 years living in the United States, West Lawn resident Luis Martinez decided to take the steps toward citizenship.

On Friday morning, his dream became a reality.

Martinez was among 91 new citizens from 22 different countries who were sworn in by federal Judge Virginia M. Kendall during a naturalization ceremony at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Martinez moved from Mexico to Chicago in 1998 in search of a better life for his family. Now, he hopes his decision to become a citizen will inspire others to do the same.

“I want to encourage others, including my own family, to face their fear and take the steps to become citizens,” said Martinez, 60.

Martinez began the citizenship process earlier this year and was surprised by how quickly it moved, though he worried his case could be affected by the Trump administration’s recent stepped-up federal immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.

Immigration enforcement has upended the city since federal officers began sweeping through neighborhoods, questioning residents about their citizenship status and detaining those unable to provide documentation.

“I used to feel safe leaving my home, but since the raids started I felt like I had to look over my shoulder every time I stepped outside,” he said.

Now all he feels is relief, Martinez said, as he held a small American flag in his hand.

“You already felt like Americans in your hearts and your minds, but today you can declare yourselves Americans on paper, too,” said Rep. Mike Quigley during the ceremony at the museum. “While your lived experiences may vary, there’s one thing that binds you together. We’ve all come to this country and to this city in search of a better life.”

For siblings Salvador Murillo, 30, and Dayana Murillo, Chicago has always been home. Now it’s just official.

“It’s an explosion of feelings,” said Dayana Murillo, 34. “I’m happy and excited. This is the cherry on top.”

The siblings were brought to Chicago as young children and remember very little of their time in their native Mexico. Both agreed that Chicago has given them many opportunities and are grateful for the life they’ve lived.

Chris Fofou, of Hyde Park, said becoming a citizen has brought him a sense of peace.

“I’ve been hoping for this day for a long time,” said Fofou, 48. “I feel enriched. I feel a step closer to where I want to be in life.”

Fofou, who moved from Germany to Chicago in 2019, said he was the only person in his family who wasn’t a citizen and is glad to now have the same sense of freedom and security as other members of his family.

“This is the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said.