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In July of 2008, Jesus Abrego, director of Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Beaumont, took the first steps toward becoming an American citizen. On April 2 his journey ended.

During a naturalization ceremony at the Jack Brooks Federal Building, Beaumont, Abrego, along with 102 others, became a citizen.

“I was thinking during the ceremony that the first thing I would do would be to drive to Jefferson County courthouse and register to vote. I was so grateful that they passed out the cards that I filled it out right there,” Abrego said.

Abrego has lived in the United States for 16 years and up until the naturalization ceremony he has been a permanent resident. He hopes that his new status will inspire the parishioners he ministers to also begin to road towards citizenship.

“I love this nation. I respect this nation. I’ve been part of this nation for a long time, so I finally feel like I’ve been awarded the privilege of being an American citizen,” Abrego said.