86 people become U.S. citizens at naturalization ceremony in Central Islip — the first since the government shutdown

Since arriving in the United States from Guyana in 1985 at age 18, Lotwyn Nedd has lived a full life.

Nedd married his wife, Andrea Nedd, had five children and worked as a New York City Transit Authority bus operator.

But after 40 years of building a life in this country, Nedd and 85 others officially became United States citizens at a naturalization ceremony on Thursday — the first since the government shutdown ended.

"We are a better nation because you came," U.S. Circuit Court Judge Joseph F. Bianco told the new citizens.

The ceremony began with Bianco administering the Oath of Allegiance, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, in the Alfonse M. D'Amato U.S. Courthouse in Central Islip to new citizens from 37 different countries in front of their friends and family.

"You have waited years and years and years for this day to come," he said. "You made it."

Naturalization, the process by which a person born outside of the United States becomes a U.S. citizen, can take years and numerous steps to achieve, Bianco said. His grandparents emigrated from Italy and his grandfather also went through the process, he said.

He encouraged the new citizens to not let go of their love for their native lands and cultures, and said becoming an American citizen was only "adding something amazing" to their lives.

Bianco also shared meaningful words about the importance of citizenship and civic responsibility, noting their status could never be taken away and that they are protected by the same rights as he, someone born in the United States.

"The hope is that each one of us, with the life we're given, contributes ... to make our nation a better place for all of us, and for the future generation," Bianco said.

The ceremony comes days after President Donald Trump’s order to pause all asylum applications after the shooting of two National Guard troops — one of whom died. Long Island is among the top 10 areas in the country for asylum applicants, Newsday reported.

Nedd, of Queens, said he was moved when Bianco spoke of the sacrifices Americans have made throughout history to ensure our freedoms, especially the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Nedd recalled living in Brooklyn at the time and witnessing business cards, among other debris, fall from the World Trade Center.

"It was horrifying," Nedd said.

A bus operator for more than 20 years who plans to retire soon, Nedd said he was most excited to get his passport so he could travel more easily with his family.

Bianco administers about four naturalization ceremonies a month, often welcoming high school students to observe the civic celebration.

He plans to bring naturalization ceremonies into the community next year in public spaces and high schools as part of the country's 250th anniversary, he said.

"The naturalization ceremony is such an inspiring and moving experience, not just for the citizens, but for everyone," he told Newsday after the ceremony.

Carolina Anastacio Bree, 30, of Massapequa Park, was joined by her husband and in-laws. She said she was grateful for their support and love.

"It's incredible to have a new family in a new country," Anastacio Bree, who works in marketing, said.

Originally from Brazil, Anastacio Bree came to the United States at 21 and worked as an au pair for a family in Lido Beach for a year. She then attended school and met her husband, Jonathan Bree, who was 36.

The two were married in 2019.

Anastacio Bree said she was most excited to vote and registered with the League of Women Voters before the ceremony.

"It feels great. It feels like a long way to get here, and I finally accomplished that goal," she said on becoming a citizen. "I'm feeling very proud and excited for what's to come."