LSC-Kingwood Welcomes 30 New US Citizens
On Thursday, Feb. 22, 30 individuals from 19 nations officially became U.S. citizens at Lone Star College-Kingwood.
KINGWOOD, Texas — The Student Conference Center at Lone Star College-Kingwood transformed into a landmark of civic celebration on Thursday, Feb. 22, as 30 individuals from 19 different nations took the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming United States citizens.
The event, marking the third consecutive year that the Texas Familias Council (TFC) has partnered with LSC-Kingwood and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to host a naturalization ceremony, underscored a growing local effort to streamline and celebrate the path to citizenship.
LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Kristen N. Collazo opened the proceedings by framing the campus as more than just an academic institution, but as a central pillar of the community.
This is a profound privilege for our college, Collazo said. Being a part of this journey, witnessing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, reminds us of the diverse tapestry that makes our country strong.
Dr. Mario K. Coll, president of the Texas Familias Council, reflected on the organization’s commitment to the process. Since the inaugural ceremony in 2022, the partnership has aimed to demystify the legal complexities of immigration. TFC provides resources, guidance, and legal support for those navigating the transition to citizenship, a mission Coll described as vital to both the families involved and the health of the local economy.
The ceremony reached its emotional peak when Montgomery County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Judge Lupe Garcia, presided over the administration of the Oath of Allegiance. As the 30 candidates recited the final lines of the oath, they officially transitioned from permanent residents to American citizens.
The event served as a magnet for a wide array of regional leadership, signaling the importance of the new citizens to the greater Houston and Montgomery County areas. Federal representation was prominent, with staff members from the offices of U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, and former U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady in attendance.
State and local officials present included Montgomery County Commissioner James Metts (Pct. 4), representatives for State Rep. Will Metcalf, and members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office representing Sheriff Rand Henderson. The presence of Conroe Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null and Conroe Mayor Jody Czajkoski further emphasized the community-wide effort to integrate new citizens into local civic life.
For those interested in learning more about the path to citizenship or seeking support, the Texas Familias Council offers ongoing resources. Information regarding their mission and future events can be found at the official Texas Familias Council website at texasfamiliascouncil.org.
USCIS also provides comprehensive information on naturalization eligibility and the application process, which includes a residency requirement, English proficiency, and passing a civics examination, available at uscis.gov.
As the ceremony concluded, the 30 new Americans were greeted by a sea of well-wishers, marking the end of their immigration process and the beginning of their participation in the American democratic experiment.