The Newest Americans
Political Science Students Attend and Participate in a Naturalization Ceremony
December 4, 2008- Fairfax, Virginia
Herndon Observer Story Herndon Connection Story
Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Samantha Delivered This Speech at the Ceremony
Carrie and James performed patriotic songs to begin the ceremony
Jen sang Our National Anthem
The Oath
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law;
Photo
by Bill O'leary Washington Post
that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.
After the Oath, Fairuz led the newest Americans in the Pledge of Allegiance
Fairuz and Jen
Analisa and other students congratulated and talked to the new Americans after the ceremony
Julia: "He's from Albania. He told me he came to this country to get an education. And then fell in love with the USA."
Norma: "Her parents fled El Salvador when she was a child during their Civil War."
Samantha, Hilary and Jhoanne interviewed by Washington Post reporter Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler and Brenda
Fairuz showing her certificate for participating in the ceremony. James, Carrie, Jen and Samantha also received one.
Hilary
Gloria Williams-Brevard, Community Relations Officer of the DHS/USCIS/Office of Communications participated in a Q and A with the students on immigration and citizenship issues after the ceremony.
Ismael (left)- Are more people migrating from one country than others? ANSWER- There isn't a certain group that's migrating more than others. The real issue is settlement. When most immigrants are settling in the top 5 metropolitan areas, such as L.A., NY, Miami, Chicago and Houston it creates problems for people that already reside there.
Chris (right)- What are your thoughts on granting illegal immigrants amnesty? ANSWER- I don't have an opinion on that but I do have sympathy for the immigrants due to how I have worked with them. We are preparing for a possible influx of new citizens.
Julia and Tyler
Sarah- What is the most rewarding part of your job? ANSWER- Being the bridge between the community and the department. I get to put a good face for the agency.
Will (right)- What are your thoughts on the fact that some natural-born citizens wouldn't be able to pass the naturalization test? ANSWER- We have a new test! It's more standardized with more on civics and history.
Ryan- Do you feel we will have passports with biometric technology? ANSWER- We already have passports with chips that have all your data on it. We are on our way, but we're not there yet.
Brenda (right)- How will the election of Barack Obama influence the rate of people who decide to apply for citizenship? ANSWER- Not much at all, the cost to file is what affects people. But earlier this year people were rushing to apply so they could be part of an historic election.
Carrie- What was your reaction to the day-laborer site controversy in Herndon? ANSWER- I can see both sides of the issue. I recognize that people are scared to have the laborers standing around on the corners loitering. It could lead to drinking problems, violence, trash and an altogether unhealthy environment for the community.
Joel- Does your department make accommodations for candidates with special needs? ANSWER- Yes, we have sign language interpreters. Physical disabilities are accommodated as well, such as a soldier injured in Iraq was sworn in on a hospital bed.
Norma thanks Ms.
Williams-Brevard for arranging our participation at the ceremony and for
answering our questions. 
Ms. Williams-Brevard presents guidance counselor Christy Rappoport with materials to help new immigrant students at Herndon High School
