New Americans hold special ceremony on US Citizenship Day

Salvadoran immigrant María Hernández was sworn in on Tuesday as a new naturalized citizen of the United States, in a celebration that puts an end to a long wait “of so many years.”

“I dreamed of this day,” he said after completing a seven-month process after 22 years living in the country.

For Peruvian Silvia Verastegui Saravia, becoming an American citizen is “a dream come true.” Since “the moment one arrives in this country, one has that dream of becoming a citizen, for a better opportunity and to be able to provide our contribution as Latinos who have a lot to offer with our professions, we come to add and contribute,” Verastegui told the Voice of America.

Hernández and Verastegui Saravia participated on Tuesday in a special ceremony where the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) swore in a hundred new Americans from 33 countries, as part of the celebration of Constitution and Citizenship Days.

The event took place at the headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Washington, just steps from the White House.

“We are honored to welcome these new citizens and we are honored to welcome their decision to become American citizens,” said Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Neera Tanden.

Tanden highlighted the contributions of immigration to the progress of the United States and thanked the new citizens for taking the step to opt for naturalization. “Thank you for being here on this very special date,” added the official, who has immigrant roots.

After swearing in the new citizens, USCIS Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou highlighted the contribution of immigrants to the country on all fronts, from people who join health care and service teams, to those who take on jobs in infrastructure and even in the defense of the nation.

“We continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission of upholding America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with justice, integrity, and respect, and Constitution Week provides an opportunity to highlight this mission,” said Director Mendoza Jaddou.

The official also highlighted the agency’s work to move forward in “eliminating barriers to immigration benefits and ensuring that we operate in a fair and efficient manner.”

To recognize the contribution of naturalized citizens, during the ceremony the Mexican naturalized American Osiris Hoil was awarded the prize Outstanding Americans by Choice, cGiven to naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to their community and host country through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship.

Director Jaddou highlighted Hoil’s career in deserving the important distinction for his contribution to a “diverse” society with his District Taco restaurant chain, which generates jobs and promotes the “fundamental values” of the United States for new generations.

Hoil came to the United States when he was 17, learning English while working as a dishwasher in restaurants in the capital. In his remarks, the award winner urged new citizens to focus on their goals in order to see their dreams come true.

During the observances of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, USCIS will hold special swearing-in ceremonies across the country. The commemoration honors the U.S. Constitution enacted in 1787, with an official celebration in 1940, as well as the celebration of citizens that has been officially recognized since 1952.

USCIS plans to swear in about 17,000 citizens this week at about 400 ceremonies across the country.

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