FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4, 2008     

The City of Alexandria and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Recognize 30 Naturalized Residents

The City of Alexandria will join the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in recognizing 30 individuals as naturalized United States citizens at its Citizenship Day event on Tuesday, September 9, at 6 p.m. During the event, the honorees will be sworn in and will take the oath of allegiance for United States citizenship. The ceremony will take place at Market Square, 301 King St., in front of City Hall. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the Vola Lawson Lobby inside City Hall.
       
Individuals who have become naturalized citizens have met the requirements for naturalization that include: a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; an ability to read, write and speak English; knowledge and understanding of United States history and government; good moral character; and attachment to the principles of the United States Constitution.

The September 9 event also recognizes Constitution Day and National Citizenship Day, traditionally celebrated on September 17. On this day, civic and government groups across the country gather to discuss, honor, and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in the United States, and to honor both native-born and naturalized foreign-born citizens.

For more information, contact JoAnn Maldonado, Alexandria’s Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach Coordinator, at 703.838.0709 or e-mail joann.maldonado@alexandriava.gov.