Naturalization Ceremony Welcomes 100 Citizens

GOSHEN – Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois was the keynote speaker at the Naturalization ceremony on Thursday, April 5th at the County’s Government Center.

County Clerk Annie Rabbitt administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens and Orange County Supreme Court Judge Maria S. Vazquez-Doles presided over the ceremony. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, District Attorney David Hoovler, Legislator Pete Tuohy and Assemblyman Karl Brabenec also attended the event.

“I was honored to be a part of the naturalization ceremony and welcome our new citizens,” DuBois said. “Recognizing the accomplishments of these new citizens is always a wonderful experience. These men and women should be commended for the great sacrifices that they have made to be in America. I wish them all the best of luck.”

One-hundred people from 41 countries took the Oath of Allegiance, the final part of the naturalization process, renouncing all foreign allegiance while pledging to support and defend the American Constitution and the laws of the United States. The County Clerk’s Office hosts four naturalization ceremonies each year in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (Citizenship and Immigration Services).

“I always enjoy being a part of the County’s naturalization ceremonies and I was honored to take part in the event,” Neuhaus said. “The different ethnicities and nationalities that were represented today is what make this country so great. I enjoyed welcoming the new citizens and their families to the U.S. and wish them success.”

Added Rabbitt: “Every new citizen at the ceremony worked hard to make this day a reality and I was honored to welcome all of them to our country in the new Government Center.”