The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made it a tradition to hold a large number of naturalization ceremonies on the week of Independence Day [see blog]. 2019 will be no exception to the rule, with USCIS planning to welcome nearly 7,500 new citizens between July 1 and July 5 [PDF version]. The USCIS posted its full list of naturalization ceremonies for the week [PDF version].
Both the Acting Director of USCIS and Deputy Director of USCIS delivered remarks at naturalization ceremonies taking place on July 2.
Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli delivered remarks at a naturalization ceremony taking place in New York City at the 9.11 Memorial and Museum [PDF version]. The Acting Director singled out for praise several new citizens who had served in the United States National Guard and military, including Felix Maria Castillo Lachapelle, who joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Acting Director Cuccinelli also noted the solemn location of the ceremony:
This July 4th, we will celebrate the birth of our nation 243 years ago. Starting on July 4, 1776, and continuing through today, the citizens of this country have stood firm in the face of adversity and challenge. Throughout our history, we have come together to turn tragedy into strength and opportunity — to forge our future together as citizens. A clear example of this American strength was the resounding patriotism all citizens showed in the aftermath of 9/11.
We are stronger today because of naturalized citizens like all of you, individuals who followed the rules, upheld our laws, and chose to make a permanent commitment to the United States.
Deputy Director Mark Koumans delivered remarks at a naturalization ceremony taking place on the USS Constitution in Massachusetts [PDF version]. Similarly to Acting Director Cuccinelli, Deputy Director Koumans tied his remarks to the new citizens to the location of the ceremony:
Not far from where the ship is berthed is Bunker Hill, the site of one of the key battles of the Revolutionary War, which was touched off by our Declaration of Independence. Other historical turning points during that period include the famous lanterns hung in the Old North Church, the Boston Tea Party, and the first shots fired at the Boston Massacre. I hope you are familiar with these events that shaped our nation’s history. Did you know that one of the half dozen men who died in the Boston Massacre was Crispus Attucks, who was of African American and Native American descent? Immigrants like him and you have been in Boston for a long time indeed.
AAs you become our newest U.S. citizens today, this history is now YOUR history, and you will be part of the next chapter of our shared history.
At the Law Offices of Grinberg & Segal, we know how special it is to become a U.S. citizen. We offer our wholehearted congratulations to the nearly 7,500 new citizens celebrating their naturalization this Independence Day week.
To learn about citizenship and naturalization generally, including rules and requirements, please see our growing selection of articles here at myattorneyusa.com [see category].
