By admin 
Voting. Democracy. Civic duty. Running for office. American ideals. State and federal judges imparted these defining principles and responsibilities on a group of 26 new Americans, who were sworn in at the federal courthouse in Columbia on Thursday.
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“We only need to read the newspaper or watch the evening news to know that these freedoms we have in America are not enjoyed in many other places around the world,” U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said before swearing in the soon-to-be citizens. “You will help nourish these great freedoms by being active citizens in your new land — registering, voting, participating actively in your religious and civic organizations.”
Gergel’s words sparked at least one into action.
Elena Maria Vitale, a 25-year-old from Italy, stepped outside the courtroom as a full U.S. citizen and headed straight for the booth to her left — the League of Women Voters, where she got information on how to register for the general election in the fall.
“I have to,” Vitale said. “It’s a duty now, but it’s a right, too. Our path, our trip has brought us to this new beginning.”
Vitale had been in the final stages of the citizenship process for over a year, after getting a green card in 2019.
With her certificate of citizenship in hand, Vitale won’t have to worry about the outcome of the SAVE Act. President Donald Trump has rekindled debate for the stalled voting bill that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections.
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Inside the courtroom, guests, joined by USC basketball coach Dawn Staley and Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, celebrated the moment immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance.
Sharing his family’s immigration story from Japan to the Hawaiian Islands in 1894, U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit executive James Ishida reminded newly naturalized citizens not to forget the effort it took to take the test and complete the process, something most Americans never have to consider.
“By telling my family story, I was telling your story, a story that every immigrant that comes to the United States experiences,” Ishida said. “Because I wanted it to serve as a reminder that as new American citizens, you now have rights, opportunities and responsibilities.”
Ishida urged people to vote, run for public office and take advantage of the rights that the U.S. Constitution guarantees.
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“Don’t let it go to waste,” he said