The organization 'Stone Soup' held a celebration Saturday for the new citizens who spent the last year studying the English language and learning about civic engagement.
Participants first came to this country six years ago from refugee camps in Thailand and have been living as "legal permanent residents." Now, they are citizens.
"It's really important for us to provide that opportunity to educate our own community about what it means to be an American citizen. What are the responsibilities of as an American citizen, and really, how can we play a stronger role in building our own country?"Maika Yang said.
Stone Soup has been in Fresno for nearly 20 years, nurturing leadership within Southeast Asian families. 55 Hmong residents completed this years program but 20 are still waiting to complete the citizenship process.
