525 in Seattle mark holiday by becoming Americans

There they stood, 525 brand-new U.S. citizens, holding mini American flags and wearing big grins as "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung.

A few got teary-eyed in this most patriotic of moments. A few looked out into the stands for their spouses and children.

They all took the Oath of Allegiance at Seattle Center on this Fourth of July, local immigrants and refugees from 83 countries, among them women in sari dresses, men in turbans and robes, women in "gele" African head wraps.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell welcomed them to the ceremony at the Fisher Pavilion on Monday, saying Seattle's 98118 ZIP code "is the most diverse ZIP code in the U.S. — and today you add to that."

The new citizens were among more than 24,000 nationwide who took the oath over the past seven days. In Seattle on Monday, the largest groups were from the Philippines (55), Mexico (39) and India (36).

The youngest was Rick Yang, 18, of Taiwan. The oldest: Wonho Lee, 80, of South Korea, — "though I wish I was the youngest," he said, laughing.

Joyce Poursabahian, 43, who was recruited by Microsoft 10 years ago in India, said her first order of business was to register to vote and, no joke, she's looking forward to jury duty if asked.

"I know people hate jury duty, but I don't mind it. And no, it's not because I like to watch a lot of 'Law & Order,' " she quipped.

Nearby, Jamal Afay, 30, of Somalia, recalled coming to the U.S. with no money in 1998 and knowing only the words, "Hello, my name is Jamal."

"It was such a culture shock back then. I was homesick" and overwhelmed by all the paperwork and by a city he didn't know how to navigate, he said.

"But you know what? The one thing I learned in America is that as long as you have a goal in mind, and you put effort into it, you'll reach it."

Afay is studying to be a nurse, taking community-college classes during the day and driving a taxi at night until 6 a.m.

"I know this city. I know this city better than most people who live here all their lives," he said, laughing. "I can take you to any address."

His plans after the ceremony: "to Gas Works Park to see the fireworks" with his two children, he said. "It's the American thing to do, right?"

Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com