Department Marks July 4 by 'Celebrating A Nation Of Immigrants': 9,500 New Americans To Be Welcomed At 50 Ceremonies Nationwide

Release Date: 06/30/03 00:00:00

Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
June 30, 2003
For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Homeland Security today launched a weeklong commemoration of the Nation's independence that highlights the importance of legal immigration and citizenship.

As part of the commemoration, the Department's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) will welcome approximately 9,500 new Americans at 50 naturalization ceremonies across the United States.  The theme of the ceremonies will be "Celebrating a Nation of Immigrants."

"Welcoming new citizens to the United States is one of the most important things that we do as a nation," Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge said.  "Immigrants invigorate our national spirit and reinforce the ideals and principles that are the foundation of our great nation."

He added, "These ceremonies are more than an opportunity to welcome our newest citizens and celebrate their contributions to our nation. They also remind us that in a troubled world the United States still stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. We will preserve that legacy by securing our borders and protecting our citizens."  

BCIS Director Eduardo Aguirre, a naturalized U.S. citizen, stressed, "We all must be active, responsible citizens. Naturalization represents more than the willingness of Americans to welcome legal immigrants and the many benefits they bring; it also signifies the willingness of newcomers to accept the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship."

Highlights of the weeklong celebration include:

• The kick-off  in Philadelphia on July 1. Secretary Ridge and Director Aguirre will welcome approximately 1,000 new citizens from nearly 100 countries at a naturalization ceremony at the Community College of Philadelphia;
• A naturalization ceremony for 250 members of the armed forces on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation in San Diego on July 2. Director Aguirre and DHS Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson will address the new citizens;  
• On Wednesday, July 2, approximately 200 citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony to be held in Chicago at the Herald Washington Library. DHS Undersecretary Michael Brown is the invited speaker for this event.    
• The swearing in of 2,700 citizens in three separate ceremonies at the Quiet Cannon Montebello Golf Course in Los Angeles.  Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson is the invited keynote speaker for the July 3 ceremonies;
• A naturalization ceremony at Boston's Faneuil Hall, dubbed "The Cradle of Liberty" because it was used by colonists to plan the anti-British tax protests that led to the Revolutionary War. Director Aguirre will swear in 350 new citizens on July 3; and
• A special children's naturalization ceremony at Walt Disney’s Epcot Center on July 3.  Fifty children and their parents will attend the ceremony at which DHS Undersecretary Dr. Charles McQueary will join in welcoming the newest Americans. Disney's famous mouse, Mickey will be making a special appearance during the ceremony.
  

The week will culminate with a number of naturalization ceremonies on July 4.  These include ceremonies at the Newseum's Freedom Park in Arlington, VA, where 50 new citizens will be sworn in, and at Thomas Jefferson's estate, Monticello, where 75 new citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance.  

Attached for reference is a complete list of naturalization ceremonies to be held during the week.

Celebrating a Nation of Immigrants Press Kit

This page was last modified on 06/30/03 00:00:00