After 13 years, two countries and several states, this Colorado couple can call themselves U.S. citizens

By Kelly Ragan

Mingzhu Hu and her partner, Ji Zhang, met 21 years ago on their first day of college in China. On July 2, the two sat side-by-side holding small American flags as they officially became U.S. citizens. 

The two came to the U.S. in 2007 to pursue advanced degrees in engineering. It soon became a place they could imagine calling home. 

When Hu considers what she loves about the United States, she thinks of the tenacity she’s seen. She knew a 60-year-old pursuing a degree in engineering. She knew of an 80-year-old pursuing a degree in nursing. 

She’s noticed that Americans have a spirit for progress, she said. 

“People are full of energy to make changes,” Hu said. 

Ji Zhang, left, and Mingzhu Hu raise their hands to affirm their loyalty to the United States July 2, 2020 at the Centennial Village Museum in Greeley. The couple met 21 years ago in China during their first day of college. On July 2, they became U.S. citizens together. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

Hu and Zhang were among the 19 people to participate in Greeley’s annual naturalization ceremony July 2, hosted by the High Plains Library District. 

This year was a little different with COVID-19 restrictions. Participants donned masks and the guest list was limited. 

Participants hailed from 10 countries, including China, Colombia, Congo, Eritrea, India, Mexico, Nepal, Poland and Somalia. 

Ji Zhang, left, and his partner, Mingzhu Hu, hold small American flags during Greeley’s annual naturalization ceremony July 2, 2020. The two have been in the U.S. since 2007 when they both pursued advanced degrees in engineering. Now, they can call themselves U.S. citizens. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

Kristi Goldinger, district director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Denver, spoke at the event. During the call of countries, she instructed participants to stand up when she said the name of their country of origin. 

“Don’t forget where you came from,” Goldinger said. “Celebrate it.” 

Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, Tommy Butler, Greeley city councilmember, Ray Talley, Greeley-Evans School District 6 board member and Matthew Hortt, executive director of the High Plains Library District, spoke at the ceremony – whether in person or by video message. 

Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, speaks at Greeley’s annual naturalization ceremony July 2, 2020. This year, 19 people officially became U.S. citizens at the event. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

Most speakers encouraged ceremony participants to register to vote and get involved in their communities.

“This country is best when we are united,” Young said. “We are strongest when we work together.” 

Hu and Zhang made the trek from Broomfield to Centennial Village Museum at Island Grove Regional Park for the ceremony. 

For Hu, the U.S. represents equal opportunity. It’s a place where if someone is willing to work hard, they can get ahead, she said. 

Ten years ago, she and Zhang dreamed of having a house and cars to call their own. Now, she said, that’s a reality. 

But it’s also a place where people care deeply about each other, she said: When they first came to the country as students, a host family welcomed Hu and Zhang into their home. Zhang, who now holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, said the U.S. is a place full of people pushing the boundaries of science. 

Ji Zhang, left, and Mingzhu Hu, of Broomfield, lived in several different states before settling down in Colorado. The two told the NoCo Optimist they most enjoy the lovely weather and the beautiful mountains. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

The first thing the two plan to do with their newly minted citizenship is to register to vote. 

Zhang said it’s important to make their voices heard. 

“I agree that the U.S. is the greatest country in the world,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it’s perfect.”