71 New U.S. Citizens Welcomed At Naturalization Ceremony In Newark

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — They came from 32 different countries to seek a new life in the United States.

On Tuesday, 71 new Americans were officially declared citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Newark. The ceremony was hosted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and included an address from keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10).

“We are a nation of immigrants, and it is our rich history of immigration that has strengthened this country generation after generation,” Payne Jr. told the new citizens. “That history is now your history—a history you will help write as you begin your journey as Americans.”

Payne told attendees that they would be called to embrace the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

“You now have what President Obama referred to as the ‘hard work of active citizenship’… to serve your communities, exercise your right to vote and fight for the rights of others,” he said. “Despite the divisive language we hear today, America is great because of our history of immigration, and our commitment to equality and diversity. Immigration is not just woven into the fabric of America, it is the foundation of the American story, the source of so much of our progress.”

• See related article: Immigrant's Success Story Inspires In N.J.

After Payne delivered his remarks, USCIS District Director John Thompson presented the candidates for naturalization and USCIS Newark Field Office Director Randi Borgen administered the oath of allegiance.

According to a news release, the 71 new citizens sworn in during the ceremony originated from 32 countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Photo: Office of Donald Payne Jr.

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