Overview
- Ceremonies at South Mountain Community College, Mesa Convention Center and Saguaro National Park welcomed new citizens statewide on Independence Day.
- U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver presided over the Phoenix event, swearing in 100 immigrants from 30 countries and urging them to exercise voting rights and free speech.
- A recorded Oval Office message from President Trump greeted new citizens, applauding their wisdom and welcoming them into the national family.
- About 800,000 immigrants gain U.S. citizenship each year after meeting residency requirements, passing English and civics tests, and enduring a median 7.5-year processing period.
- While promoting naturalization as the proper path to citizenship, the administration has revived efforts to revoke U.S. nationality for certain individuals.