For Planning Purposes
September 12, 2019
MEDIA ADVISORY
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to Host Citizenship Ceremony; Display 1849 California Constitution
SACRAMENTO, CA - Secretary of State Alex Padilla will deliver the keynote speech at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization ceremony in the Auditorium of the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building on Monday, September 16 at 1:30pm. Secretary Padilla will be speaking about the importance of civic participation and encouraging new citizens to register to vote.
Approximately 76 new citizens are expected to take the Oath of Allegiance at this ceremony.
Secretary Padilla is the son of immigrants who became naturalized U.S. Citizens. His 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, including four and half years as Council President. He served as a California State Senator from 2006 to 2014, and was first elected as California Secretary of State in 2014. Padilla was sworn in for his second term as Secretary of State on January 7, 2019.
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.
The original 1849 California Constitution will also be on a rare public display from 9:00am until 4:00pm in the Maria Shriver Gallery at the California Museum at 1020 O Street, part of the Secretary of State complex. The California Museum will be offering free admission to view the Constitution and all current exhibits. To expedite entry, advance ticket registration is recommended at https://CAConstitutionDay.Eventbrite.com.
*Media wishing to attend this ceremony or film the Constitution must RSVP to sos.press@sos.ca.gov
- Who:
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California Secretary of State Alex Padilla
- When:
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Monday, September 16, 2019
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Where:
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March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building - Auditorium
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 - Contacts:
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Secretary Padilla
Sam Mahood, (916) 653-6575USCIS
Shannon Rummery, (415) 248-8873
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