Nigerian-born Army chaplain becomes a U.S. citizen

Published: 2005-03-22

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (CNS) -- March 11 was "a very special day for me," said Nigerian-born Father Christopher Opara. "America has blessed me so much." That Friday, Father Opara, an Army chaplain stationed at Fort Hood, was among 47 soldiers, sailors and airmen from 27 countries who took the oath of allegiance to become naturalized U.S. citizens. At the ceremony, held at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, former President George H.W. Bush and Eduardo Aguirre, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, congratulated the new citizens and thanked them for their service to America. Members of the armed forces may apply for citizenship under special provisions of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. When asked why he wanted to become a citizen, Father Opara enthusiastically responded, "I love this country! I think it is the greatest in the world."

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