Kenyan-born Dr. Godriver Odhiambo, a professor, at Le Moyne was among immigrants sworn in as American at the grounds of the New York Fair.
To honor New Americans day, nearly 100 immigrants were sworn in on Friday during a naturalization ceremony at Daniella’s, formerly the Empire Room. This is the fifth year the State Fair has held the ceremony and each one carries a lasting impact.
“I’ve lived my entire life in Central New York. I have moved from place to place and I thought that was traumatic, then I see you guys and you have made decisions to come halfway around the world and start over. I don’t know how you did it,” said New York State Fair Spokesperson Dave Bullard.
“America gave me the best education I’d ever dream I’d have. It gave me an opportunity as a woman I wouldn’t get back at home. And for her, the skies the limit, she’ll have opportunities here that I missed growing up in Africa,” said Dr. Godriver Odhiambo, a professor at Le Moyne who is originally from Kenya.
Congressman Katko was also at the ceremony to congratulate the new U.S. citizens.