Earlier this morning, Secretary Jeh Johnson joined USCIS Acting Director Lori Scialabba to welcome 468 new U.S. citizens at a special Naturalization Ceremony held at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Va.
Secretary Johnson administered the Oath of Allegiance and delivered remarks to the citizenship candidates and their families and friends in attendance.
Among the men and women participating in today’s ceremony was Staff Sergeant Oscar Roberto Chavez, an active duty member of the U.S. Air Force, who Secretary Johnson thanked for his service and recognized as a model for other candidates.
As Secretary Johnson underscored, the United States has a strong tradition as a welcoming nation, and DHS is committed to promoting the lawful immigration process, expediting administration of immigration services, and promoting the integration of lawful immigrants into American society.
To learn more about USCIS and its programs, please visit the USCIS website and the USCIS blog: The Beacon.
Photos courtesy of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.