Peace Offers Welcoming Remarks to America’s Newest Citizens
Central, VA – On June 7th, at Historic Polegreen Church, where as a young man Patrick Henry worshiped with his mother under Reverend Samuel Davies. Seventy-one of America’s newest immigrants were naturalized as citizens in a special ceremony. People of many different ages and forty different countries raised their hands, renounced prior allegiances, and swore an oath to become citizens of the United States of America.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) offered welcoming remarks to those receiving the Oath of Allegiance, communicating the history of the Historic Polegreen Church, which is a monument to the preservation of civil liberties and religious freedom.
Sharing from his own family’s immigrant history, Peace stated, “Your immigrant story enhances the value of our country. Our shared stories and history are a common bond that unites us. You today, are writing a new chapter in the history of this place.”
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalizes individuals. During the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2017 (October 1 to December 31, 2016), 112,640 naturalization applications were approved by USCIS, 822 residents of Virginia became United States citizens. More information about the naturalization process and is available on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.