On Tuesday, 200 immigrants became citizens of the Unites States at a naturalization ceremony held at The New York Public Library. This was one of many taking place around the country this 4th of July week, and, in total, 14,000 immigrants will receive citizenship by week's end.
At yesterday's ceremony, nearly 50 countries were represented, including the Dominican Republic, France, Turkey, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Saint Lucia, and Germany. Almost everyone in attendance is now living in New York City, with most calling Manhattan and the Bronx home.
The event was held by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the fifth consecutive year they've conducted an Independence Day ceremony at the Library, however, this was the first year that they played Trump's message to new citizens, which was recorded in September 2017.
Katie Tichacek, USCIS Public Affairs Officer, told Gothamist, "The Congratulatory Message from the President has been a standard part of the naturalization ceremony program for many years. It is protocol to include the message for all ceremonies, though exceptions are made in a few cases — if there is a member of the administration present (because they represent the President), if the program is especially long, or if the host venue can’t support playing a video."
And so, on two large screens yesterday, Trump's face appeared in front of a room that fell silent, just hours after he tweeted about ICE and "invoked the imagery of undocumented immigrants as sub-human."
In the recorded message, Trump stated: "Our history is now your history. And our traditions are now your traditions. You enjoy the full rights, and the sacred duties, that come with American citizenship — very, very special. There is no higher honor, there is no greater responsibility. You now share the obligation to teach our values to others, to help newcomers assimilate to our way of life... And each of us must do our part to keep America safe, strong and free." (The full video can be seen here; as a palate cleanser, here was Obama's message.)
Overall, the ceremony was celebratory, with smiling participants — many who have been living in America for years — taking an oath, waving American flags, and receiving their certificates. Most had planned parties or dinners with friends and family (who were also in attendance) to celebrate that evening.
And there's plenty to celebrate. Mariely, a 21 year old from the Dominican Republic who is now living in the Bronx, said she was most excited to vote in future elections.
Many registered to vote right after the ceremony; the NYPL's president Tony Marx had urged them to do so during his speech, noting they now must take to the polling booths. (You can watch the full ceremony below.)
