In celebration of National Women’s History Month, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services held an all-women naturalization ceremony at Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus on Friday, March 1. The ceremony included the Oath of Allegiance, the final step to citizenship for the 55 candidates originating from 30 different countries.
Cooley Assistant Dean Katherine Gustafson provided opening remarks before U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine McEwen administered the oath. Presenting the Naturalization Certificates was Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Gerald Evans.
“I think it’s so appropriate that we have this ceremony during National Women's History month,” said Gustafson. “Today is the first day of that month, and this month is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, to honor the past, to inform the present, and to inspire the future. The strength of the women in this room sitting in front of us right now inspires all of us. In a lot of ways, I think the fact that you are a Naturalized citizen gives your citizenship a little extra meaning. You’re Americans by choice, not by accident. You had to earn the right to be here today.”
When addressing the applicants Judge McEwen and Gustafson both spoke about the opportunities of becoming a citizen and their family’s personal experiences with immigration. To honor the beginning of National Women’s History month, Judge McEwen reiterated that the women are making history today.
“You 55 women are making history in your own right today,” said Judge McEwen. “From today on, each one of you ladies will enjoy every right, every liberty, every opportunity that America gives to all of its citizens.”