Welcome ! It is with this word that the video “Becoming French” ends. As the lights come back on, the moist eyes of many participants testify to the significance of this word for them. They come from Romania, Canada, Morocco… and are gathered this Thursday, November 21, in the François Mauriac room in Langon, for a founding moment. At the end, sometimes, of several years spent in France, or of nice twists of fate then long procedures, they are finally full French citizens.
“It’s security for my family, to have the same social rights”
The sub-prefect of Langon, Vincent Ferrier welcomed them warmly, emphasizing the familiar expression “My dear compatriots”. “It’s the culmination of a personal choice, of a long, courageous process,” he admits. This is the logical outcome of a successful integration process. You are simply, but completely French. » He takes the time to list the rights, but also the duties, before asking the audience to sing the national anthem together.
Love at first sight in Nicaragua
That evening, everyone, born French or not, seems to remember the invisible bond that unites them. The emotion of the families is obvious during the solemn handing over of the citizenship booklets. Everyone poses in turn with the elected official of their municipality of residence and the sub-prefect. Lea Prouteau oscillates between smile and tears. She left her native Nicaragua in 2018 to join her husband, whom she met in his country. Love at first sight. A story worthy of a Hollywood script. “I wanted to buy him a drink, but my wallet was stolen. She helped me file a complaint. We found ourselves in a police station in the middle of the jungle, we were scared. When we got out of it, we danced until the early hours,” says Richard, who became her husband.
To complete the naturalization process, “they refused my file three times,” she confides. Lea was able to count on the unfailing support of her in-laws, Geneviève and Philippe, “very happy for her and for our grandson”. Leandro, in a blue suit, white shirt and red bow tie, proudly wears a “France” scarf. Also born in Nicaragua, he speaks perfect French. Richard should soon take steps to adopt him. “It’s a recognition, a relief after a lot of difficulties. It’s security for my family, to have the same social rights. » Lea is not done with the paperwork, since her next fight will be to have her medical biologist diploma recognized in France. “
“In the current context, an evening like this feels good. We have to be open, it enriches us with all these different cultures,” rejoices the mayor of Illats, Patricia Peigney, who welcomes a new French citizen to her town.
Viviane, originally from Madagascar, with her family based in Saint-Symphorien.
EG
As the room gradually empties, the sub-prefect's secretary prepares to throw the official banner off the desk. “You want to leave with it?” », she suggests to Viviane, a French citizen from Madagascar. “You couldn’t please him,” laughs her husband Christophe. It reads “naturalization ceremony, Thursday November 21, 2024”. A date that will remain engraved for her and her family.
