Updated: Impressionist Rich Little Becomes U.S. Citizen

The Las Vegas Review Journal reports:

Rich Little will no longer impersonate a U.S. citizen. On Friday, the Canadian impressionist takes part in a naturalization ceremony in U.S. District Court. The 71-year-old Little has lived in Las Vegas more than 10 years.

Update: 1.27.2010 — The Las Vegas Review Journal has coverage of Little’s naturalization ceremony, including an interview and photo of Little wearing a very patriotic tie for the event:

“America, I like the sound of the word,” Little said in a slow Wayne-like drawl. “It makes a man tight in the throat — makes him choked up. As I travel the world, I run into many Americans. I know they’re Americans because they’re wearing Italian shoes, eating Chinese food and drinking French wine.”

What is usually a solemn occasion in a federal courtroom turned into a comedic roast of sorts as Little’s longtime friends and colleagues Steve Rossi, Nelson Sardelli and Kathy Walker joked about his new life as a U.S. citizen.

“When I asked Rich what the first thing he was going to do when he was an American was, he said, ‘Collect unemployment,’ ” Rossi said.

Little also explained why he finally decided to get his U.S. citizenship:

“Well, I’ve been illegally in this country for 50 years. I just thought it was high time to become a citizen. It’s a lot easier to poke fun at the politicians when you’re an American. This country has been awfully good to me, and I can’t complain. It’s just a big thrill to become an American citizen.”

[Source: Immigration Daily]

Related post: 3.30.2009 — Rich Little on Tour