They came to America for different reasons. Now, these families want a better outcome for their children.
"I want them to be happy and healthy and to get a very good foundation here and to get educated, to flourish," said one of the fathers, Ali Uzri.
Because their parents became naturalized citizens, it automatically gives these children the right to also become U.S. citizens.
15 kids became #U.S. citizens at @FairylandCA today. Yemen, UAE, Syria, Nigeria, Canada, El Salvador, Vietnam, Philippines. #NewUSCitizen pic.twitter.com/2gJXzfKNgu
— Lyanne Melendez (@LyanneMelendez) July 31, 2017
Daniel Enenta is father to Nkem. He says his daughter "was the last in the family who is a citizen now, sponsored, and we're grateful, very grateful for that."
Nkem, who is 9, was born in Nigeria. On Monday she was also asked to say the pledge of allegiance.
"Saying the pledge of allegiance in front of everybody made me feel happy because (I'm) showing that I have a voice and I can use it," she said.
Fifteen children ages 4 to 11 took the U.S. citizenship oath at our kids' #naturalization ceremony today. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/6ecwVZBwAV
— Children's Fairyland (@FairylandCA) July 31, 2017
She used that voice on Monday to ask Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to improve school lunches.
The mayor said she'd work on it.
"We want to be sure that every person who calls Oakland home feels protected and feels honored," said Schaaf.
As a welcome treat, Fairyland invited the families to spend a day there creating new memories as new Americans.
