40 citizenship candidates are sworn in as U.S. citizens after the weather dampers the ceremony’s original venue at the Lincoln Memorial. (Bree Tracey/MNS)
WASHINGTON- An agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Interior was renewed this week allowing naturalization ceremonies in national parks. Ceremonies occurred throughout the country the week of April 19-23 in commemoration with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
The agreement, signed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Interior, allows naturalization ceremonies in places like Ellis Island, Angel Island, the Mt. Rushmore National Monument, and the National Mall and Memorial Parks.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas administered the Oath of Allegiance to 40 citizenship candidates from 23 different countries including Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kuwait, Mali, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Turkey.