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It's Such A Big Step

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It's Such A Big Step
Local Telemundo news anchor takes U.S. Citizenship oath in emotion-filled ceremony

By Matt Munoz, Mas Staff

Emmy-nominated Bakersfield Telemundo anchor/reporter Karla Leal was sworn in as a new U.S. Citizen May 16 at the Bakersfield Adult School, during the campus’ annual Multi-Cultural Day festival.

Hundreds of family, friends and students in attendance were treated to international music and food courtesy of the school’s student and faculty.


Karla Leal (center) has documented her journey to becoming an American in a short film called "Rumbo a la Ciudadania."

Leal, 27, a native of Tijuana, Mexico has been working on a series of short films on her journey through the naturalization process.

Titled “Rumbo a la Ciudadanía,” or “The Path to Citizenship,” the film series chronicles Leal’s journey to officially becoming an American, beginning in July 2007 when she first applied for citizenship.


Leal kisses her abuelo as the family celebrates her U.S. citizenship.

“It was such an emotional moment,” said Leal of the ceremony. “When I took the citizenship oath, I began having flashbacks of my family’s journey.”

Leal’s parents, who had gone through the U.S. citizenship process, informed their daughter of the value of citizenship early in life.

“My parents told me I could continue my schooling in Mexico, but I chose to stay in the U.S.,” she said.


Above left: Cumbia dancing was part of the citizenship ceremony entertainment.
Above right:  Children sang "The World is a Rainbow" at the U.S. citizenship ceremony.

Now that the process is complete, Leal feels elated about her future as a full-fledged American citizen.

“It’s such a big step in my life, I’m very happy about it,” she said.
 
— For more information on “The Path To Citizenship” film series, please contact Karla Leal by e-mail at: KarlaLeal@clearchannel.com