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Naturalization ceremony held at Bedford County Courthouse

23 individuals become US citizens

By Colette Costlow 3 min read

BEDFORD -- Nearly two dozen individuals from 17 countries celebrated becoming U.S. citizens Friday, many of whom were excited to be Americans.

"I'm so happy today; it's a dream for me," Egypt native Ziad Barakat said while standing beside his mother, Doraa Abdelrahaman, who also became a citizen Friday.

Barakat and Abdelrahaman were among 23 new citizens who received certificates, presidential letters and small American flags at the Bedford County Courthouse as they took the oath of citizenship in front of their loved ones.

"I really cannot emphasize enough what an exciting and important day this is, obviously for the 23 of you, as well as for your family members and friends," U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines said during opening remarks.

The naturalization class of Sept. 11 included candidates from Blair, Bedford, Cambria and Clearfield counties. Countries represented include Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, China, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, India, Jamaica, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Bedford County Judge Brandi Hershey said the new citizens may find themselves waving an American flag in their yard or wearing clothes featuring the flag.

"As Americans, we root for the underdog, the little guy, because in America, anything is possible," she said.

Because this year's citizenship ceremony coincided with 9/11's 25th anniversary, she said this country is made up of ordinary people who have a willingness to save others, referencing the 40 Americans who counterattacked terrorists on Flight 93.

"A group of ordinary citizens ... but ultimately, doing the extraordinary, making the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of thousands of fellow citizens. A nation of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things."

New opportunities

After Morgan Camerlo, Assistant United States Attorney, moved for a grant of citizenship, a few members of Sept. 11's naturalization class shared their personal journeys with the audience.

"I'm really happy to become an American citizen, and I'm really thankful to my family and my friends," Hollidaysburg resident Hemangini Patel said.

Gulnara Valeeva of Davidsville came from Russia to America in 2018 after her husband, Timur, won the Green Card Lottery. He also became a U.S. citizen Friday.

"That gave us the opportunity to start a new life in America," she said.

Valeeva was a doctor before moving to America. Since then, she's found her way back into healthcare as a nursing home employee. She still carries her dream of becoming an American doctor in her heart.

"I know it may take time, but I have learned that starting over does not mean giving up on your dreams," she said.

She eventually gave birth to their daughter, Victoria, in 2022, whom she said is an important part of her American story. Victoria held Valeeva's hand while she accepted her letters and flag.

Following the ceremony, Kirstie Totter said she began living in America with her now-husband in September 2019 after Hurricane Dorian destroyed her island.

She said that Friday's ceremony means she can begin her work as an American citizen.

"It means that my vote matters," she said. "I get to have a voice."

Cameroon native Evrard Tchapda was also happy to become a US citizen, having lived in America for 13 years. He is currently training to be a physician in DuBois.

"I've definitely been looking forward to this day for a very long time," he said.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.

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