‘I Can Be Free’: Tulsans From 20 Countries Naturalized In Drive-In Ceremony

Tulsa families from more than 20 countries are now U.S. Citizens, as the City of Tulsa held their first drive-in naturalization ceremony Thursday.

Johny Fernandez has waited 16 years for this day.

"It is a long process. I came here legally with a Visa and through a marriage I got my citizenship," said Fernandez. "People think it is easy, but it is not. You have to be by the law and there are a lot of requirements to do a citizenship. I am thankful that I made it. I am really grateful for that."

Thursday, he got to take the Oath of Allegiance alongside more than 50 people from more than 20 countries.

"It will mean a lot,” Fernandez said. “It will mean finally I can be free, and I get the rights that all Americans have- but most importantly, I can be free.”

Due to COVID-19, the City hosted their first drive-in naturalization ceremony. People listened to the whole event on the radio. They honked with pride when the ceremony was over. They stepped out of their cars to take the Oath of Allegiance. 

"We want Tulsa to live up to the sacrifices that you have make to become American Citizens here in this city," said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. “I hope that you understand that you are a historic figure in the life of your family."

The ceremony finished with a drone photo from the sky, families waving their American Flags and getting ready to vote for the very first time in an American election.