Dublin Hosts Federal Naturalization Ceremony

(Dublin, Ohio) — The City of Dublin gladly welcomed nearly 100 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 Edmund Sargus Jr. presiding over the ceremony at the Abbey Theater of Dublin. U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole and U.S. Magistrate Judges Elizabeth A. Preston Deavers and Chelsey M. Vascura alongside Clerk of Court Richard Nagel also oversaw the 98 people who took the Oath of Allegiance to become new citizens.

The group of petitioners represented 43 countries, including El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Columbia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Laos, Vietnam and Nepal, ranging from 19 to 84 years old.

“Today, you begin to write your own American story,” said Dublin Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes. “I can only imagine, as you are about to take the oath, that it is something that you have long dreamed about. And, as you become American citizens, I hope that you will continue to hold onto some of the traditions that you bring with you.

“I imagine it wasn’t easy for many of you to forge a path to becoming a citizen of a new country. But we are glad that you did.”

As a guest speaker, Dublin resident Isao Shoji shared his experience immigrating to the United States from Taiwan by way of Japan. He asked the petitioners to fully embrace their new citizenship by becoming involved in their local governments and communities.

“You now have one certainty that will forever change your life: From this day forward, you are an American. From this day forward, this is your home. This is where you belong.”

Mayor Amorose Groomes was accompanied by Council Members Andy Keeler and Amy Kramb.

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.