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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Recruiting firm didn't pick Patridge ... Police: Bend woman died of blunt force trauma ... Working for the water ... Recruiting firm didn't pick Patridge ... Police: Bend woman died of blunt force trauma ... Working for the water ... NATURALIZATION CEREMONY July 4 is a milestone for Medford woman who will become U.S. citizen Medford's Alma Velazquez one of 14 to become a U.S. citizen today Comment By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 4, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 4, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News While many Americans fire up grills and fire off bottle rockets, Medford resident Alma Velazquez, 37, will spend her Fourth of July fulfilling a dream: U.S. citizenship. The petite, brown-eyed Velazquez, who has lived in the Rogue Valley for three decades, is all smiles when asked about the ceremony. She will be among 14 candidates, and one of two women from Medford, who will be recognized as citizens at a naturalization ceremony today at Crater Lake National Park. The Oregon ceremony will be one of about 100 around the nation this week. "I’m super excited. It’s a big accomplishment," Velazquez says. Joining her at the Watchman's Overlook at 1 p.m. will be her family, which supported her through the citizenship process. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Velazquez immigrated to Jackson County at age 6 and has been a resident since. She currently lives with her husband, three children and two stepchildren. Her parents are Medford residents as well — in fact, her family has had roots in the area for three generations, since the 1950s. As soon as Velazquez received formal residency, she started the process of gaining citizenship. "It was a long journey to get here. It was not an easy process for me," she says. "But obstacles that you overcome make you stronger, and I want to set that example for my kids." Velazquez knew that citizenship would provide her access to opportunities professionally. Her goal is to work in counseling or social services, particularly as a bilingual advocate to help give back to the community. Velazquez says when she was going through a time of need, she received help through bilingual resources in the valley. "The little help that I did get, it meant a lot to me," she says. She's noticed a greater need for counseling and advocacy, especially among Spanish speakers. "I want to be part of that solution," she says. Velazquez says she feels a deep personal tie to the United States, especially the Rogue Valley, where she has lived most of her life. "This is home to me; I was raised here," she says. "My life is here, and my kids’ life is here." Becoming a U.S. citizen is not without costs for Velazquez. When she pledges loyalty to the U.S. today with the Oath of Allegiance, she will be giving up her citizenship to Mexico. She still feels a love for her birth country, and though she can visit Mexico, letting go of her title as citizen makes this milestone a bittersweet moment. Sharon Rummery of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says that naturalization is a personal choice, and not everyone who is eligible decides to pursue it. Each year, roughly 680,000 people are naturalized in ceremonies across the country, but relatively few of them are from Oregon. "Naturalization is a huge milestone," Rummery says. "It's a dignified celebration, one in which we're honored to take part." Gaining citizenship in the U.S. is not an overnight process. Rummery says green card holders or permanent residents may be eligible to apply for citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years, and as soon as three years for spouses of U.S. citizens. Once they apply, Rummery says the process usually takes about six months. Most must complete 20-page applications, interviews, and civics tests of trivia questions about U.S. history and politics, for which they are provided a CD and booklet to study. Out of 100 possible questions, candidates are asked up to 10 of them, needing at least six correct answers to pass. Velazquez started her application in late March, expecting the process to take at least a year. To her surprise, she was given June 7 as the date to test. "At first it was very nerve-racking; it’s always intimidating to go up to an immigration officer, in front of an authority," she says. But she wasn't alone. Velazquez’ family helped her learn the answers. "This is one of the things I wanted to accomplish, and they supported me 100 percent," she says. Together, she and her family employed everything from traditional flashcards, which her 12-year-old daughter and husband would drill her on, to the family XBOX, which they used to run the CD, turning the event into a sort of family game. Having passed the hurdles, Velazquez has a sense of confidence and pride, and feels excited for the opportunities ahead. "It's been an amazing journey," she says. "It’s only the beginning for me and my family, and another great chapter that we’ll start." Reach Mail Tribune intern Hannah Golden at [email protected]. By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 4, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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