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Warren man shares experience in becoming US citizen

Photos submitted to the Times Observer Cyril Jedor recently became an official U.S. citizen after a long and difficult process. Jedor, now living with his wife in Warren, shared his personal experience and his goal of contributing to the community.

Cyril Jedor recently became a U.S. citizen after going through the citizenship process and taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Jedor was originally born in Le Bourg D’Oisans in the Alps region of France. He came to the United States on a work visa with an animation company that relocated to the U.S. from France. Although he had the opportunity to remain in France and work remotely, Jedor said he decided to travel to the U.S. since it was part of his dream.

Over the years, Jedor has worked hard to go through America’s long immigration process. After moving to the United States, Jedor met his wife, Kristine Peterson, a private art and piano instructor, while they were both living in Charleston, S.C., and decided to apply for a green card.

Jedor and Peterson hired a slawyer to assist them with the citizenship process. While Jedor said it was expensive, it was a better option than trying to correctly fill out all the paperwork themselves.

Jedor applied for a second green card, but the government had an issue with its computer database, delaying the citizenship process anywhere from six months to two years.

“That kind of like slowed down the process a little bit,” Jedor said.

While waiting for a second green card, Jedor was granted an extension on his first green card. He said it took another 18 months before he was able to receive his second green card.

Despite the government’s green card delays, Jedor decided to apply for citizenship. He said the process for citizenship can take even longer, but because he was coming from France, the process was much easier.

Before becoming a citizen, Jedor had to study the history of the United States in preparation for a test in Buffalo. Out of a hundred possible questions, the exam could ask 10 questions. Jedor had to answer six correct in order to pass his citizenship test. After studying for the exam, Jedor said he quickly answered the first six questions he was asked on the test.

About a month after passing his citizenship test, Jedor took the Oath of Allegiance in Erie alongside about 30 other people from at least 12 different countries. Jedor was supported by his wife, family and friends.

“I felt really supported,” he said. “It takes a lot of support and it’s not really a just a one person thing. It’s really like the whole family. My wife was really instrumental.”

Peterson said her husband is now, “a fully fledged, and very proud American.”

The video of his citizenship ceremony is something he hopes to one day share with his children if he has any in the future.

After completing the long citizenship process, being a U.S. citizen is meaningful to Jedor.

“It means I’m independent, I’m free. I’m able to vote and contribute,” he said. “I’m a part of the community even more, so it means that I have pride in the country that I’m living in.”

As someone who was not born in the United States, Jedor offers a unique perspective on living in America.

“America has a lot to offer,” he said. “It’s the land of opportunity. I like how America thinks and tries to do the right thing in the world.”

While the process of citizenship was difficult at times for Jedor, he is thankful for the opportunity to join the United States as a citizen.

“My life is here now,” he said. “I have my family here. I don’t want to ever be trapped in another country. I admire the work ethic of Americans. I think people in general here are friendly and easier to talk to then it was in France. I think there is more opportunity for growth.”

The couple made the decision to move to Warren, which Jedor is now happy to call his “hometown.”

“I grew up in Warren County,” Peterson said. “When the pandemic hit we wanted to be closer to my family (since his is all in France) and be in a place to start our own family.”

Jedor works remotely as a concept artist for Velan Studios, designing and producing video games.

Since moving to Warren, Jedor has become a member of the Conewango Club and a dedicated disc golf player. He hopes to have disc golf added to the community as a sport.

“I’m trying to participa

te in the Warren community,” he said.

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