For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
HOUSTON — Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson concluded his trip to Houston, where he participated in a naturalization ceremony, met with local officials and community members, and delivered remarks entitled “Immigration: Perception Versus Reality” at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Earlier today, Secretary Johnson, along with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Houston Mayor Annise Parker, participated in a naturalization ceremony for 41 citizenship candidates at the U.S. Courthouse. U.S. District Judge, the Honorable Lynn N. Hughes of the Southern District of Texas, administered the Oath of Allegiance. Secretary Johnson delivered remarks, congratulating the new citizens and welcoming them into American society.
While in Houston, Secretary Johnson participated in a roundtable discussion with young adults at the Syrian American Cultural Club to discuss their concerns regarding efforts to keep local communities safe. Secretary Johnson underscored the importance of community engagement to effectively counter violent extremism and highlighted the Department’s commitment to working with and empowering local communities. Secretary Johnson also participated in a roundtable discussion with federal and state partners, community leaders, and local stakeholders, including members of the Syrian American Council, to discuss the Department’s continued efforts to expand partnerships with community organizations and state and local officials on civil rights and civil liberties to safeguard local communities.
This afternoon, Secretary Johnson delivered remarks on the Department’s border security efforts and enforcement capabilities at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. During his remarks, Secretary Johnson also discussed the Department’s work to improve our immigration system and stressed the importance of congressional action to achieve comprehensive immigration reform.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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