New US citizens speak about recent attacks, immigrant backlash

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- Forty-seven new citizens from 19 different countries took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance Wednesday at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media.

Among them was 21-year-old college student Koumba Kante.

She came to America from Guinea - she is also a Muslim.

"You can't just ban all Muslims from coming because all Muslims are not terrorists," said Kante of Aldan, Pennsylvania.

Kante said Donald Trump's proposal to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. hurt her deeply, and she's proud to be both American and Muslim.

"These terrorists are not even Muslims, first of all. They're not real Muslims because in the Muslim religion it doesn't tell you to go kill anybody," said Kante.

The new citizens we spoke with say it was upsetting watching the recent terrorist attacks, especially the shootings in San Bernardino.

Even more disturbing, they say, is the anti-immigration rhetoric that's come since.

"With all the different events that are going on right now, anything could happen. God forbid I get in trouble. I could get sent back home," said Rolinda Montique of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania.

Mariamu Kamau came to America from Kenya to pursue a college degree.

"For me to hear that other people are not welcome, it breaks my heart," said Kamau of Media, Pennsylvania.

She said she's honored to become a citizen, even in a time when not everyone in this country is welcoming immigrants and refugees with open arms.

"I mean, it's sad when you see the terror attacks. It's kind of scary," Kamau said. "But when you think about what America stands for, that it's a country that was built by immigrants, it makes me feel there's hope. There's hope for tomorrow."