On July 18th, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a new citizen naturalization ceremony at Lincoln Center in New York City. Nearly a hundred immigrants from 38 countries took the oath to become American citizens, including individuals from mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Both new and established immigrants present expressed their admiration for the United States, citing its equal opportunities for all individuals. The new citizens also acknowledged the responsibilities and obligations that come with being an American.
Tamika Gray, the Director of the USCIS New York office, delivered a warm congratulatory message and led the 98 new immigrants in reciting the naturalization oath. Following that, a video message from President Biden welcoming the new citizens was played. Biden emphasized the courage shared by all immigrants regardless of their reasons for coming to the United States.
President Biden highlighted that upon becoming citizens, these individuals had acquired the title of “citizen of the United States of America,” embracing both rights and responsibilities in this great nation. He welcomed them as friends and fellow Americans, concluding with a blessing for all.
During the ceremony, the USCIS also recognized longstanding immigrants who had been named “Outstanding Americans by Choice.” Dr. Ramon Tallaj, a Dominican-born New Yorker and founder of the SOMOS Community Care, was honored for his lifetime of service to the community and outstanding performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Tallaj expressed his belief that the United States is the best country on Earth, witnessing the new citizens enjoying the American Dream. He emphasized that embracing the responsibility to maintain the country’s greatness is essential, as the U.S. stands as the best nation worldwide.
Carrie Selby, Deputy Director of External Relations at USCIS, spoke to the new immigrants, reflecting on her own journey as an immigrant from Albania, a former communist country devoid of true freedom. She highlighted that the United States had provided her with genuine freedom and opportunities, a place where meaningful change can occur.
Julie Ensiki, a Japanese immigrant working in finance in New York, expressed her happiness and gratitude upon receiving her citizenship certificate. She commended the opportunities the U.S. offers for individuals to thrive and contribute, especially amidst the current turbulent political climate, which presents a chance for immigrants to help rebuild the nation.
Lily, a Chinese immigrant and the sole representative from China at the naturalization ceremony, who works at an investment bank in New York, noted the quality of “confidence” and being “unapologetically oneself” as one of the most striking traits of Americans she encountered.
According to the USCIS, naturalization ceremonies are held around Independence Day annually. Last year, over 870,000 new immigrants were naturalized, and so far this year, nearly 600,000 individuals have become citizens, with 1.7 million eligible immigrants awaiting naturalization.
Director of USCIS, Ur M. Jaddou, stated in a released statement, “New immigrants contribute diversity to our great nation. We are committed to assisting all eligible individuals to experience the freedoms enjoyed as American citizens.”