People come to Homestead, to become new U.S. Citizens

BEATRICE - Twenty-five citizens from thirteen nations have become new citizens of the United States.  A diverse group of people took the Oath of Citizenship Thursday at a National Park known for settlement of a large part of the United States….the Homestead National Historical Park near Beatrice, where they were welcomed by Superintendent Betty Boyko.

"Ours is not a nation of a single history or culture. Everyone who comes to this country and takes the oath as you will take today, becomes an American. Just as you have come here today to embark on a new chapter in your life stories...many of the earliest settlers and homesteaders who walked on these grounds, were also immigrants to a new land...seeking a better life for themselves and their families. That is also my hope for you, as new citizens. May you leave here with fond memories and return here often, to remember this day."

The newest citizens have come from Burma, Cuba, the Congo, Dominican Republic, Indonesia and Iraq. Others come from Georgia, Guatemala, Mexico, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Vietnam.

They heard a recorded message from President Joe Biden, that America is an idea where everyone is created equal…and it’s a nation full of possibilities enriched by the contributions of citizens.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Nebraska Chief of Staff, Thomas Schuurmans says the state has a significant impact on immigration.
"We are located here in the heartland at the very center of the United States..and Nebraska is probably not what the average citizen visualizes when they think of immigration. Many are also surprised to learn that a place so far from our borders, is home to one of the largest divisions of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services...the Nebraska Service Center located just up the road in Lincoln, Nebraska. This center employs over twelve hundred federal employees and 400 contactors as we adjudicate somewhere between one and a half and two million separate immigration applications and petitions every year....impacting countless lives."

A roll call was made of the newest citizens and USCIS District Director David Douglas issued the oath.  Douglas urged those accomplishing their goal to tell their friends and neighbors about it.

"A lot of people who are born here in the United States lose sight of why our country is so special. They would really enjoy hearing your stories on how you got here...what you went through...to become a citizen. It will make our country special again, in their eyes...to understand what people have been through to get here, to study and become a citizen. So please, share your stories with whomever is willing to hear them...your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers. They will treasure them."

New citizens received their certificates and were given the opportunity to register to vote. Frequently a host of citizenship ceremonies, the Homestead National Historical Park held this one outside the Education Center, during National Park Week.