YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Thirty-eight new U.S. citizens will be minted at a ceremony in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) on Thursday, Sept. 14, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming.
The candidates for citizenship represent 22 countries, including Australia, Belarus, Cameroon, Canada, China, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, India, Italy, Mexico, Moldova, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. These candidates currently reside in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
“USCIS often participates in naturalization ceremonies at museums, national parks – like Yellowstone National Park – libraries and other notable locations to celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant’s journey to citizenship and honor the commitment they’ve shown along the way,” the agencies said in a joint press release.
The Oath of Allegiance will be administered by Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick. Congratulatory remarks will be delivered by YNP’s Deputy Superintendent Mike Tranel and USCIS Western Region Director John Daly, Jr.
Holding the ceremony in the park, USCIS says, creates a memorable bond between the citizens and their new home.
“Special venues not only make these events meaningful for those who have 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,” the release said.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 in YNP’s Arch Park near Gardiner, Montana.
