Seventeen New Citizens Sworn In During July 4 Ceremony in Annapolis

On July 4, a naturalization ceremony in Annapolis marked a significant occasion as 17 individuals from 11 different nations became U.S. citizens. This event took place at the historic Paca House, drawing approximately 100 attendees who gathered to witness the occasion.

Richard Tizala, a supervisory immigration services officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Baltimore, emphasized the importance of the day, stating, "Today is a day of celebration and gratitude." The participants hailed from diverse countries including Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, the Philippines, Russia, South America, and Vietnam.

Rosalee Barrett, a section chief at USCIS Baltimore, described the ceremony as “one of the most meaningful events in America.” The event featured performances by the Youth Chorus of Annapolis and included historic reenactors, enriching the ceremony's atmosphere.

As the new citizens took the oath of allegiance, cheers erupted from the crowd. The children’s chorus performed “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” inviting the audience to join in the singing. MD Abdullahel Karim, who emigrated from Bangladesh in 2018, expressed his joy, stating, “I couldn’t stop my excitement.”

This marked the eighteenth time that Historic Annapolis has hosted a naturalization ceremony at the Paca House, according to Karen Theimer Brown, the organization’s president. She highlighted the significance of such events, especially during the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, allowing for reflection on the contributions of immigrants throughout American history.

Omish Wynter, who arrived from Jamaica in 2016, shared his enthusiasm for the ceremony, noting the lengthy journey to citizenship. The Paca House, once owned by William Paca, a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence, provided a fitting backdrop for the ceremony, connecting the past with the present.

Corey Ruth, vice president of communications for Historic Annapolis and a naturalized citizen himself, remarked on the significance of the event, stating that it embodies the true spirit of the Fourth of July. The ceremony proceeded without mention of contemporary political debates surrounding immigration, focusing instead on the joy of welcoming new Americans into the community.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).