Elk & Elk Celebrates Team Member Becoming Naturalized Citizen

Posted in Firm News on June 17, 2016

On Tuesday, June 14, one of our team members joined 28 other individuals in achieving a major milestone.

Elk & Elk Director of Video and Client Image Services, Rohan Ghosh, became a naturalized citizen of the United States during the 2016 Flag Day Naturalization Ceremony and U.S. Army Birthday Anniversary Celebration. Former residents of 19 different countries took their oath of citizenship at the event, hosted by the Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County outside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Rohan was born in Calcutta, India. (Fun Fact: He was blessed by Mother Teresa as a child.)

After arriving in the U.S. in January 1995, Rohan attended the College of Wooster. He has now lived here for over 20 years, and has been with Elk & Elk for 10. None of his immediate family members live in the United States.

“I dreamt of being American as a thirteen year old and to be able to finally realize that dream is the best feeling in the world,” he says of his accomplishment.

Hiring an attorney to assist with the procedures can cost thousands of dollars, so Rohan decided to handle everything himself.

“First and foremost, your heart and soul must be in the right place and ready to take the steps,” Rohan says about his decision.

The process of becoming a naturalized citizen includes an extensive handwritten application, biometrics tests (including fingerprinting and eye scans), an FBI background check and an INS interview. Applicants are also required to memorize the answers to 100 civics questions about U.S. government and history.  Could you pass the test?

It took Rohan three months to complete the process in Cleveland, but in larger cities it can take much longer. Once an applicant has successfully completed each of the steps, they are invited to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

“Citizenship gives you the additional responsibility to do things the right way. I’m excited to vote. Everyone should,” Rohan told Brian Albrecht of The Plain Dealer.

On behalf of all of us at Elk & Elk, congratulations Rohan! We’re so fortunate to have you on our team.

Learn more about the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. Citizen in this U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guide.