Naturalization Ceremony

[CALL TO ORDER]

PLEASE BE SEATED

Welcome to you, your family and friends on this wonderful occasion. You are here to officially become a part of the fabric of our democracy. This is a day you will always remember.

But this is a special day for me as well. When we judges talk about the things we love most about our work, this is right at the top of the list. And as you look out at this room – filled with ___ people from ___ different countries who are about to become citizens of the United States of America – when you think of the magic that is about to happen here – you can understand why every judge’s face lights up when we talk about the joy of presiding over this ceremony.

[insert any additional welcomes – special guests, officials, etc.]

We’re going to start our ceremony today with our national anthem. I would ask that you all now stand and join me in singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

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The Court now recognizes ______of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to make a very important motion. Mr./Ms. ______, before I consider your motion, would you tell us the countries from which our new citizens have come? As she reads each country’s name, I’d ask those of you from that country to stand for our applause.

[Agent reads names of countries and then makes the motion.]

It is with great pleasure that the Court grants the motion of the Government, and I will now administer the oath of citizenship. Will you please stand, raise your right hand, and repeat after me:

[SEE NEXT PAGE]!

NATURALIZATION OATH

I solemnly swear – that I will support and defend – the Constitution and laws -- of the United States of America – against all enemies – foreign and domestic. That I give up and surrender any allegiance – to any king, queen, or prince – or to any state or country – which I have held up until this day. That as a citizen of the United States – I will, when lawfully directed – bear arms – or perform non-combatant service – in the armed forces of the United States. Or I will, when directed – perform non-military service – on behalf of the United States. I take these obligations freely – without any purpose of evasion – and declare today that I am – a citizen of the United States of America. SO HELP ME GOD.

And so you are now citizens of the United States! PLEASE BE SEATED.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to be the first to congratulate you on your new U.S. citizenship.

I want to applaud you for all you accomplished to be here today. I also want to acknowledge the struggles and hardships that were necessary for so many of you to make this day possible.

Leaving your homeland, saying goodbye to beloved family and dear friends.

Traveling to this country. Finding a home, a job. Adjusting to a new culture and a new way of life.

And for many of you, even learning a new language.

For some, you may have found it difficult in the oath you just took to renounce allegiance to your former country. I want you to remember, though, that the oath you took only means that you no longer swear allegiance to the government of another country. It does not mean that you must give up your love for the land where you were born, or the people with whom you lived. It does not mean that you should forget or deny your native heritage.

On the contrary, the best of your culture is the best of ours, and your traditions enrich not only your family, they enrich America. Always remember that this country was founded on the diversity of many tribes, countries, and cultures.

We have been blessed with the rich culture and traditions built by our native peoples, and by the cultures and traditions brought by the constant infusion of new people from all over the world.

America is a combination of the best of all of those people – the native peoples who lived here for thousands of years and continue to live here today, and those who have since come to our shores.

This great country depends on new citizens, such as you, to learn and to grow. Our survival depends on the values of diversity, tolerance, dignity and respect that we live by and teach each other.

One of our most profound and beloved poets, the late Maya Angelou, said it best: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value, no matter what their color.”

Our very first President, George Washington, recognized the importance of immigrants to our land, not just the rich and high-ranking newcomer, “but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, whom we shall welcome to a participation in all our rights and privileges.”

Participation in all our rights and privileges.

[weave in historical reference, if available. E.g.: In fact, today is the anniversary of the first day that our United States Constitution took effect, back on March 4, 1789, more than 225 years ago. The Constitution, which is the cornerstone of our free society.]

Being a United States citizen means that you are free. The Constitution and laws of this country are designed to protect your freedom. You are free to think on your own and to form your own opinions. And you may voice those opinions, whether many people or few people agree with you.

You are free to work where you want to work. To read what you want to read. To say what you want to say.

You are free to believe what you want to believe, to openly practice any religion. Or to practice no religion at all.

There is no single American way to think or believe. As a citizen of the United States, you are free to follow your own path, wherever it may lead you.

But with that freedom comes responsibility.

The freedom of democracy comes with the responsibility to participate in the democratic process by voting, not casually or carelessly, but in a way that is thoughtful and informed.

You have a responsibility to educate yourself so you can make wise choices for yourself, your family, and this country that is now your country. This democracy, so hard fought for, only works when its people participate fully by helping to choose who will govern us all, and by taking that process seriously.

The freedom of democracy also carries a responsibility to your community and your country. Of course, that includes following the laws of this country, which are intended to make sure that no one hurts another, or violates another’s civil rights. But it goes beyond just not hurting others. Fundamentally, democratic societies only really work when the people who live in them treat each other with respect.

You must also be willing to serve this country as you are asked, and as you can. Use your talents, be active in your community, give back to your new country through civic participation and service.

And as technology makes our world smaller, but perhaps less civil, it is even more critical that we be kind to each other. That we extend a hand to those in need, just as people may have extended a hand to you along your journey to this day and this place.

In fact, I would like you to take a moment and think about someone whose help made it possible for you to be here today – a friend, a teacher, a sponsor. Maybe they’re even here with you today. As you celebrate your new citizenship, make sure to let them know how much their help meant to you.

And let me suggest to you that a wonderful way to honor them and thank them for their service to you, is for you to reach out a hand to someone else who may need your help.

Your new country – our country – will only continue to thrive if we care about our fellow citizens as human beings.

Ani DiFranco once said, “There is strength in the differences between us. There is comfort, where we overlap.” By recognizing our similarities, and celebrating our differences, we find and nurture the best in all of us.

Because we are all part of the beautiful tapestry that Maya Angelou described. As new citizens, you can help set an example of compassion and tolerance for everyone to follow.

It’s been said that people may forget what you said or did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.

I hope today that you feel proud and secure and safe and at home. Never forget that feeling. And I also hope that someday, sometime, you will be able to help someone else stand here, taking the oath that you just took, feeling the way that you do now and adding yet another thread to our beautiful tapestry.

Citizens of the United States of America – Welcome! Congratulations! And best wishes for your journeys ahead!

And now, please stand, as we all pledge allegiance to the United States.

[PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE]

PLEASE BE SEATED.

Finally, we will take a moment to hear a message from President Obama. After the President’s message, please remain seated for a closing song and then the BCIS officials will pass among you and hand out your certificates of citizenship.

[OBAMA VIDEO] [LEE GREENWOOD SONG]

Please remain in your seats and the representatives of the BCIS will bring you your certificate. [insert invitation to stay for photographs if available to do so]

And once again, congratulations and best of luck to all of you!

Court is in recess.