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Contact: Joanie Budzileni, 505-672-3861 x1501
NPS
At 10 am on September 17, 2022, 14 people from eight different countries were sworn in as citizens of the United States at the Naturalization Ceremony held in Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier partnered with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to welcome the nation’s newest citizens on Constitution and Citizenship Day. The new citizens are from: Sri Lanka, Italy, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Venezuela, the Netherlands, and Mexico.
USCIS Immigration Services Officer, Albert Harb, conducted the ceremony, and The Oath of Allegiance was administered by Field Office Director, Michael C. Smith. Bandelier Superintendent Patrick Suddath served as the keynote speaker.
Representing the communities of Los Alamos and White Rock were Boy Scout Troop 71 who served as the color guard, the Los Alamos High School Bel Canto Choir, and the Los Alamos County Clerks who provided voter registration services. The Herrera Family from Cochiti Pueblo provided songs, drummers, and dancers to celebrate the occasion and honor the earth. The dancers concluded the event with a friendship dance and most of the 126 people in attendance joined in to welcome the newest citizens.
Constitution Day, also known as Constitution and Citizenship Day, honors the document that guarantees American Citizens, born or by naturalization, their essential rights, that was signed on September 17, 1787.
Ceremonies at American landmarks celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant’s journey to citizenship and honor the commitment they’ve shown along the way. National Park Service sites not only make these events meaningful for those who have voluntarily chosen to participate in American democracy and dedicated themselves to the country’s future, but they also reflect the strength and spirit of the United States.
Last updated: September 18, 2022