Thomas Edison Park Welcomes 32 New US Citizens (PHOTOS)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — They came from 23 different nations, including Russia, Canada, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, India, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. But last week – in the very place where famed inventor Thomas Edison once worked his magic – a group of 32 proud, new U.S. citizens took their oaths.

On Sept. 27, the Thomas Edison National Historical Park hosted a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at the former Edison laboratory complex at 211 Main Street.

During the ceremony, 32 individuals originating from 23 countries became new United States citizens. According to park officials, the immigrants hailed from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Taiwan, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

• See related article: New US Citizens Finding Warm Welcome At Montclair Museum
• See related article: N.J. Immigrants Are Taxpaying, Hardworking Residents, Study Says

Thomas Edison NHP Superintendent Thomas Ross and Park Ranger Yvan Beausoleil were among those on hand to welcome the new citizens. USCIS Newark District Director John Thompson served as the master of ceremonies.

The West Orange High School Air Force Junior ROTC opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors, and the Seton Hall Prep C Tonians led the National Anthem. The keynote speaker was William Connell, professor of history and holder of the La Motta Chair in Italian Studies at Seton Hall University.

Other supporters of the event included Eastern National and the Friends of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page here. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Main Photos: West Orange School District