New Castle Court House hosts naturalization ceremony for new citizens
On Nov. 7, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) hosted a naturalization ceremony at the New Castle Court House Museum that saw 20 individuals from 11 different countries receive U.S. citizenship.
The Honorable Jennifer Hall presided over the proceedings, which marked the first time a woman has presided over the New Castle Court House’s courtroom since it was built in 1732. During the proceedings, Hall spoke about her own great-grandparents, who immigrated to the United States from Norway, and acknowledged the adversity and uncertainty one faces when they leave their home country.
“The United States has become a better nation now that you are our fellow citizens,” Hall said. “Today marks the dawn of a new opportunity for you … to weave your cultures and experiences into the fabric of America.”
Joshua Boles, superintendent for the National Park Service, reminisced on his wife’s own journey to citizenship and acknowledged the friends and family who couldn’t be present to celebrate the momentous occasion with their loved ones. He stated to the recipients that they “are both a celebration and an aspiration.”
A new citizen from Cameroon was the last person to speak as part of the ceremony. He expressed immense gratitude for where he is today and the freedom he has found in America and vowed to repay the faith and support he received from both the United States government and his fellow citizens throughout his path toward naturalization.
Thomas Vinci, a ranger with the National Park Service, sang the national anthem at the end of the ceremony, after which the recipients were provided with the opportunity to register to vote, with information provided by the League of Women Voters. Representatives from the office of Senator Chris Coons and the Daughters of the American Revolution organized a reception after the ceremony to further celebrate those who earned their citizenship.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the National Park Service, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services and U.S. District Courts, and was attended by members of all four agencies as well as many of the recipients’ loved ones. The newest citizens hailed from the Dominican Republic, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Sierra Leone, Togo, Mexico and Mozambique. The youngest recipient of their U.S. citizenship was in their late teens while the oldest was in their 80s.