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Contact: Dominic Dongilli, 402-223-3514
BEATRICE, Neb. – The National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plan to welcome 25 United States citizenship candidates during a naturalization ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center.
The 25 citizenship candidates hail from 15 countries including: Cameroon, Cuba, China, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Laureen Riedesel, former Director of the Beatrice Public Library, will give the keynote address. Representatives of Nebraska’s congressional delegation will also welcome the new citizens and guests with prepared remarks. The Honorable Michael D. Nelson of the United States District Court of Nebraska will administer the Oath of Allegiance and provide congratulatory remarks. The Beatrice High School B Capella Choir will sing the United States national anthem.
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after fulfilling a set of requirements established by Congress. After naturalization, foreign-born citizens enjoy nearly all the same benefits, rights, and responsibilities that the U.S. Constitution gives to native-born U.S. citizens, including the right to vote.
“The Homestead Act had a tremendous impact upon immigration in the United States. We’re honored to host naturalization ceremonies at the park to reflect upon this part of our nation’s Homestead story,” stated Homestead National Historical Park Acting Superintendent Amy Genke.
New citizens and guests can share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen.
Homestead National Historical Park has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2025. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Instagram (@HomesteadNPS), “X” (@HomesteadNHP), and Facebook (Homestead National Historical Park).
Last updated: April 16, 2025