Bonham, Texas - On Tuesday, December 4, 2009, Fannin County resident Helen Lacuesta Rosenbaum had a smile as big as Texas and a sparkle in her eyes as she took the oath to become the newest United States citizen in our community.

Helen had been rigorously studying one-hundred questions that she knew could possibly be asked on that Tuesday at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Building in Irving, Texas.  The hard work paid off when she was told she passed and it was then time for Helen to place her hand over her heart and pledge allegiance to the flag and simultaneously become one of the newest Americans.

She was asked what she planned to do now that she was a U.S. citizen and she said, “I want to register to vote." 

On December 10, 2009, Helen appeared in the Fannin County Clerk’s office with her certificate in hand and her husband and daughter standing beside her, requesting to be registered to vote in her county of residence. 

(l-r) Fannin County Clerk Tammy Rich, Fannin County Voter Registration Clerk Elaine Ashlock and Fannin County's newest U.S. citizen, Helen Lacuesta Rosenbaum

Fannin County Clerk Tammy Rich stated, “It is an honor for me to welcome you as Fannin County's newest American and to help assist you in registering to vote. The right to vote is our most precious and fundamental right.  Most have come to our nation in search of freedom and they find that, when they achieve U. S. citizenship, the right to vote, among the many rights and privileges, is the most treasured privilege and duty that they do acquire."

Helen was asked, “What was one of the questions you were asked by the Immigration Officer that stood out in your mind?” 

She stated, “The one question that stood out the most was, 'If you become a U.S. citizen, what do you need to do in this country?' and I answered, I need to give up any of my loyalties to my former country and follow and obey the law of this country!”

Helen is originally from the Philippines and she moved to Chicago in 2001.   In 2002 she met John Rosenbaum for the first time when he visited Chicago and they fell in love.  Helen and John married on April 14, 2003 and now live in Fannin County, Texas.  Helen had a child, Lorielen, who was adopted by John in 2007.  Lorielen and is 11 years old and attends Ector ISD.  Now that Helen has officially become a U.S. citizen, Lorielen automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.

(l-r) Fannin County Clerk Tammy Rich, Fannin County Voter Registration Clerk Elaine Ashlock and Fannin County's newest U.S. citizen, Helen Lacuesta Rosenbaum