Thread: 998 immigrants become US citizens at El Paso Coliseum

998 immigrants become US citizens at El Paso Coliseum

---

by Staff
Thursday, March 21st 2019

IEW ALL PHOTOS

Close to 1,000 immigrants from 52 different countries were sworn in as new U.S. citizens Thursday at the El Paso County Coliseum.

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Close to 1,000 immigrants from 52 different countries were sworn in as new U.S. citizens Thursday at the El Paso County Coliseum.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama presiding, welcomed 998 of the United States’ newest citizens at a special ceremony.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after they have fulfilled the 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.

During fiscal year 2018, more than 750,000 immigrants were naturalized nationwide, with approximately 5,300 individuals naturalized through the El Paso Field Office.

Of the immigrants naturalized on Thursday, the oldest – Ventura Villarreal Marquez, 91 – and the youngest – Karen Cristal Barron, 18 – are both from Mexico.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Cesar De La Rosa sang the national anthem at the ceremony.

https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/998-im...-paso-coliseum

2,000 immigrants to be released in Texas from federal custody this weekend