FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
September 12, 2016
Contact:
Sam Mahood (916) 653-6575
MEDIA ADVISORY
Secretary of State Alex Padilla to Speak at Citizenship Ceremony in Fresno
Secretary of State Alex Padilla will deliver the keynote speech at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization ceremony in Valdez Hall at the Fresno Convention Center tomorrow September 13. Secretary Padilla will be encouraging the new citizens to register to vote and participate in all elections.
320 new citizens are expected to take the Oath of Allegiance at this ceremony.
“Experiencing a naturalization ceremony with several hundred new United States citizens is truly special,” Secretary of State Padilla said. “Watching people, from around the world, taking their oath reminds you of our nation’s vibrant diversity and the unique calling of the American dream. It is impossible not to be inspired by their hard work and determination.”
Secretary Padilla's parents emigrated from Mexico and raised their family in the working class community of Pacoima, California. His father worked as a short order cook and his mother cleaned houses. Padilla attended local public schools and went on to graduate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Padilla served as a Los Angeles City Council member from 1999 to 2006 and as a California State Senator from 2006 to 2014 before being sworn in as Secretary of State on January 5, 2015.
USCIS is asking new citizens and their families and friends to share the experience and photos at their ceremonies via Twitter using the hashtag #newUScitizen.
Media are welcome to cover this event, and to approach new citizens for interviews.
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WHO: |
Secretary of State Alex Padilla
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WHEN: |
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 10:00 a.m.
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WHERE: |
Fresno Convention Center Valdez Hall 700 M Street Fresno, CA
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NOTE: |
TV cameras should be set up by 9:30 AM. Secretary Padilla will be available for interviews prior to the ceremony.
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