New Citizens Naturalized in Seattle Independence Day Ceremony

Gov. Jay Inslee: New Citizens Naturalized in Seattle Independence Day Ceremony

For 30 years, the Seattle Center has hosted an annual naturalization ceremony under the shadow of the Space Needle to certify immigrants as Americans on Independence Day.

This year, over 300 immigrants from 74 countries were naturalized. Migrants from Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Philippines, El Salvador, Norway, Rwanda, and other nations swore their allegiance to the United States and in so doing, completed their journey to citizenship.

I was joined by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, King County Executive Dow Constantine, U.S. District Court judges David Estudillo and Ricardo Martinez, and other speakers in welcoming the new class of citizens.

Of special note was Margita from the Czech Republic. At 78 years old, she was the oldest of the new class of citizens, proving it's never too late to achieve your dreams. Welcome, Margit!

Learn more:

• uscitizenpod: U.S. Citizenship Resources for Independence Day