Dublin Hosts Federal Naturalization Ceremony

(Dublin, Ohio) — The City of Dublin gladly welcomed nearly 150 new United States citizens from dozens of countries in a naturalization ceremony on May 8.

The City was honored to host a special session of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, with Chief Judge Algenon Marbley presiding over the ceremony at the Abbey Theater of Dublin. U.S. Judges Edmund Sargus Jr. and Sarah Morrison along with U.S. Magistrate Judge Chelsey Vascura and Clerk of Court Richard Nagel also oversaw the 147 people who took the Oath of Allegiance to become new citizens.

The group of petitioners represented 51 countries, including Panama, Venezuela, Switzerland, Malta, United Kingdom, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nepal and Uzbekistan, and ranged from 19 to 76 years old.

“Today, you are here to begin to write your own unique American story,” said Dublin Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes, noting that between 2018 and 2022, 20% of Dublin residents were born outside the U.S. “In Dublin, like the rest of America, we are here cheering for you.”

“We have confidence that you will continue to hold on to the traditions that you bring with you,” she continued. “Those special pieces are like fabric from a master’s quilt. We each add our unique pattern and piece. We can begin to see how, separately, they might not fit or even match. But, collectively, a beauty is revealed that we could not have imagined.”

Mayor Amorose Groomes was accompanied by Council Members Cathy De Rosa, Jane Fox, Andy Keeler and Amy Kramb and City Manager Megan O’Callaghan.

DEI in Dublin
The City of Dublin continues to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to ensure all residents and visitors know they are welcome, safe and respected in Dublin. Learn more.