FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2002 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 616-2777 TDD (202) 514-1888 MIAMI, FL - Attorney General John Ashcroft today issued the oath of allegiance to 3,000 new U.S. citizens at a citizenship ceremony in the Miami Convention Center, in Miami, Florida. The new citizens ranging in age 18 to 99 years of age, representing 80 nations, achieved full status as Americans.
At the ceremony, through a new video message, President George W. Bush reminded the new U.S. citizens that, "Today America is not only your home; it is your country. With a single oath, all at once, you became as fully American as the most direct descendants of the Founding Fathers." The welcoming video will be made available to all INS Naturalization offices conducting INS swearing in ceremonies. The welcoming message from President Bush supplements a personalized letter that new Americans receive upon completion of the naturalization process.
In the video President Bush encourages continued hard work, the spirit of entrepreneurship, love of family and love of country.
"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on taking one of the most significant steps of your lives," Ashcroft said. "Each of you will leave here with the highest title our government can give to anyone. You will be a fellow citizen. You have chosen to participate fully in the most enduring democracy ever created. I applaud your choice because I believe your individual lives will be better and your contributions as citizens will make our country even stronger and more vibrant." 02-185
Source: US Department of Justice
