For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— Earlier today, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas joined President Barack Obama at the White House for a naturalization ceremony for 25 service members from 17 countries. Secretary Napolitano administered the Oath of Allegiance and delivered congratulatory remarks.
“We have a strong tradition as a welcoming nation, and our efforts ensure that the United States continues to draw people from across the world who contribute in important and innovative ways,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I am proud to swear in these brave men and women who have come from all over the world to serve our country and become its newest citizens.”
“These 25 exceptional individuals took an oath to ‘support and defend the Constitution’ before sharing fully in the rights and opportunities it provides,” said Director Mayorkas. “We are all inspired by their commitment to freedom and service to preserve our great nation.”
To commemorate America’s 236th birthday, USCIS is welcoming more than 4,000 new citizens during special naturalization ceremonies across the United States and overseas. Members of the U.S. armed forces will take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens during six ceremonies for members of the U.S. armed forces at Kandahar Air Force Base, Afghanistan; U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea; Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas; Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.; the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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