Becoming ‘part of the fabric of our communities’

Orange County hosted a Naturalization ceremony on Thursday, May 27, in the courtyard at the Government Center.

Deputy County Clerk Kelly Eskew administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens speaker at the 30-minute event.

“You have chosen the United States to begin your life,” Eskew told the new citizens. “Thank you for making that choice. Remember the things you cherish about the countries you were born in, share your family’s history and your culture.”

Twenty-five people from 19 countries took the Oath of Allegiance, the final part of the naturalization process, renouncing all foreign allegiance while pledging to support and defend the American Constitution and to follow the laws of the United States.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the county last hosted a naturalization ceremony on Feb. 19th.

“We are proud to recognize the accomplishment of these new citizens and to welcome them to this great country,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “What makes this country and this county exceptional, are the people from all over the world who come here to become part of the fabric of our communities.”