09/06/2024 | Press release | Archived content
BEATRICE, Neb. - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the National Park Service will celebrate Constitution Day by hosting a Naturalization Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Homestead National Historical Park's Heritage Center. The 26 citizenship candidates represent 14 countries, including: Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, India, Iraq, Mexico, Nigeria, Sudan, and Vietnam. The public is invited and encouraged to attend as we welcome these new citizens and celebrate their accomplishment.
Honored guests and speakers include: Betty Boyko, park superintendent and Dr. Sergio Wals, associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Honorable District Judge Robert F. Rossiter will preside over the Naturalization Ceremony and provide congratulatory remarks. Representatives of Nebraska's congressional delegation will also welcome the new citizens and guests with prepared remarks. A choir from Tri-County High School will sing the 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 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's Superintendent, Betty Boyko.
New citizens and guests can share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen.
Remember, Homestead National Historical Park has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2024. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNHP) and Facebook (Homestead National Historical Park).