Jordan native at VEC Inc. among 26 new citizens naturalized today

YOUNGSTOWN

Light shined through the stained-glass windows inside a courtroom at the Mahoning County Courthouse as 14 new U.S. citizens collectively raised their right hands and recited the naturalization oath to embrace a life of liberty.

“The title ‘citizen’ is now yours,” said Judge Beth A. Smith of Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court. “You are an American. Your voice can be heard and counted.”

Judge Smith encouraged them to embrace the freedom and democracy in the country, and to be an active participant.

Many, like Ahmad Omishat, 26, are active.

The 2015 Youngstown State University graduate decided to stay local and work at VEC Inc. – a solutions provider for construction services – of Girard as an electrical engineer.

“It’s a good company,” Omishat said. “They do business the right way. They have values I share with them.”

While he works, Omishat is back at YSU for his master’s degree.

“Just like America helped me, I want to help it,” he said.

After he received his official citizenship certificate Thursday, his co-workers threw him a party in celebration.

“Our culture here at VEC is one of diversity and one of openness and celebrating every team member’s accomplishments,” said Becky Bertuzzi, marketing manager for the company. “We welcomed him with open arms, and we want to support him in every way we can.”

His co-workers, a close friend and, in spirit, his family, were there to support him.

“I just wish the best for him,” said Mehmet Kusuni, Omishat’s friend of almost seven years.

Kusuni, an immigrant from Turkey who moved to America about 16 years ago, met Omishat at a local mosque. He attended the ceremony to “see his happiness and be with him.”

Kusuni received his citizenship five years ago.

“It’s a blessing to be in this country,” he said.

Each new citizen was asked to tell their journey to citizenship.

Read more about the ceremonhy and Omishat and others in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.