Adopted children become July 4th citizens
LISA ADAMS/The Acorn

WELCOME TO AMERICA––Nicole Wong Franklin, 4, is handed a certificate of recognition from Westlake Village Mayor Mark Rutherford after becoming a citizen of the United States. Thirty internationally adopted children attended ceremonies at the Agoura Hills home of Carrie Rackow (at the podium). Agoura Hills City Councilmember Denis Weber, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman (not shown) and representative Larry Horner (right) were on hand to celebrate the Child Citizenship Act, a new law that went into effect February 27. The law allows all children under the age of 18 who have been adopted abroad by American parents to become automatic U.S. citizens.