As a part of Welcoming Week 2023, Columbus City Council held a Naturalization Ceremony in Council Chambers, welcoming nearly 100 new Americans into the people’s living room.

“I was so excited to celebrate these 98 new American citizens from more than 30 countries,” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy.

“The immigration process is long and arduous, and it’s thrilling to watch folks achieve their dream of American citizenship.”

A naturalization ceremony occurs when foreign-born immigrants are conferred U.S. citizenship after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress to become a citizen. During the ceremony, immigrants recite an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and receive their legal documents denoting their new status as American citizens.

“The United States is a nation of immigrants and refugees, coming from all corners of the world to weave the story of America,” said Remy.

“These new American citizens and their families will help us tell our story here in Columbus.”

The ceremony, presided over by Chief Judge Algenon Marbley of the Southern District of Ohio, featured the Presentation of the Colors by the Join Police and Fire Honor Guard, the national anthem performed by Robert Fleming, and a keynote address from Tariq Tarey, Director of Refugee and New American Services, JFS.

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