WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 18, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will deliver remarks and welcome 37 new citizens at a special naturalization ceremony in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Secretary Jewell will present America the Beautiful Military Passes – which grant free entry to national parks and other public lands and waters nationwide – to three active duty military members and seven active duty spouses that will be naturalized.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez will also recognize Secretary Jewell, who emigrated to the U.S. as a young child, as an Outstanding American by Choice. The Outstanding American by Choice award is bestowed upon naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to their community and their adopted country through civic participation, professional achievement and responsible citizenship.
This naturalization ceremony is one of 100 scheduled to take place in national parks nationwide this year to commemorate the National Park Service Centennial, celebrating the 100-year milestone of America’s national parks and focusing on connecting with and creating the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates.
The 37 naturalization candidates originate from the following 29 countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Denmark, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, India, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Who:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
León Rodríguez, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Gay Vietzke, Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks
What:
Remarks and award reception at Naturalization Ceremony
When:
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
10:45 a.m. EDT: Media check-in
11:00 a.m. EDT: Ceremony begins
Where:
South Interior Building
SIB Auditorium
1951 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20245
Media:
Credential members of the media are encouraged to RSVP to James.R.McKinney@uscis.dhs.gov by close of business, Tuesday, May 17.
Source: Department of Interior
