For Immediate Release DHS Press Office Contact: 202-282-8010 WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia Royce Lamberth and Archivist of the United States David Ferriero for a special naturalization ceremony for 225 candidates at the National Archives in honor of the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
“We have a strong tradition of welcoming immigrants who come here from around the world, to seek better lives for themselves and their families, and to contribute to our country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I am proud to welcome these men and women today as our newest fellow Americans.” During the ceremony, Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks congratulating the 225 citizenship candidates, who come from 69 different nations. This week, the Department of Homeland Security will welcome more than 32,000 new citizens during 158 naturalization ceremonies across the country in recognition of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is celebrated on Sept. 17 in remembrance of the signing of the Constitution in 1787. Since 1952, Citizenship Day has been celebrated in conjunction with Constitution Day. To view a list of 2012 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day naturalization ceremonies, visit www.uscis.gov/news.
For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov or www.uscis.gov.
