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For 10 years, the Immigrants’ Assistance Center in New Bedford has been hosting citizenship ceremonies, but last week they celebrated one that was truly exceptional.
Gracinda Oliveira, a spirited 100-year-old Portuguese immigrant, just became an American citizen, fulfilling a long-awaited dream: registering to vote in a presidential election.
Oliveira arrived in New Bedford when she was a spry 50 years old — a mere midway point in her epic journey to citizenship. “She lived in Portugal under a dictatorship, so she never had the opportunity to vote,” said Helena DaSilva-Hughes, president of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center.
The staff went all out for the special occasion. Following protocol, a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official read the oath of allegiance while Oliveira raised her right hand and solemnly promised to defend the Constitution of the United States. Then, with a small part of her large family by her side, she celebrated with a cake decorated with American flags and, never one to waste time, promptly registered to vote.
Oliveira knows that every vote counts. “Sometimes you lose by one or you win by one,” she said in Portuguese.
With many U.S. citizens skipping the polls each year, Oliveira’s story can inspire others, said DaSilva-Hughes, adding that every new American she’s met at the center is eager to participate in democracy.
Oliveira proved that voting is a civic duty worth waiting a lifetime for — and that it’s never too late to exercise your right.
She’s been here 50 years, and just NOW getting her citizenship? WOW!!!…
I personally congratulate her, vote your conscience and may God smile upon you.
Congrats Ms. Oliveira!