More than 70 people sworn in as United States citizens during a ceremony in Springfield

The new citizens were sworn in during a ceremony in Springfield. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – In Mr. Lincoln’s hometown, in the museum dedicated to telling his story, 75 people from 37 countries became United States citizens.

For Laurine Vidori, 23, it means the opportunity for an education, as citizenship opens the door to financial aid. She came here from France as a ten-year-old.

Her mother, Candide Malard, said as much: “Kids can have any job in the U.S. that they want.”

The new citizens were sworn in in time to vote in the 2024 presidential election.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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