PRESS RELEASE
May 12, 2007
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (JAMAICA, NY)Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks hosted a *historical Sixth Congressional District United States Citizenship Swearing-in Ceremony for 60 new citizens as part of his American Dream Initiative at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, New York. The 60 new Americans are natives of the following countries: Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Uzbekistan. Meeks continued, "I am very proud to represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country. Diversity not only makes us stronger but also more interesting and more connected with the world. We have experienced today such an overwhelming response in favor of this event from the community, which shows the support and the need for immigration workshops." ###
Host Historical Citizenship Day
Meeks Assist NYC Women Attain the American Dream Just in Time For Mother's Day
Judge Sterling Johnson JR., United States District Court Eastern District of New York and Congressman Meeks presided over the naturalization ceremony. After the ceremony, the new citizens and their guests participated in a cake cutting celebration. The swearing-in ceremony kicked off the Sixth Congressional Citizenship Day where 200 eligible legal permanent residents were able to receive comprehensive help from City University of New York (CUNY) Citizenship and Immigration Project staff members and Congressman Meeks' office in completing their naturalization application.
"The American Dream initiative which includes workshops, immigration community conference calls and mobile immigration clinics is designed to provide a meaningful and critical step toward U.S. Citizenship for thousands of men, women and children in his district, so that they can fully share the rights that citizens enjoy and also help shoulder the responsibilities," added Meeks. "It will allow these men and women to better protect their families and to better advocate for the best interests of our immigrant community and our country."
Meeks urged the newly sworn in citizens, many of them mothers who are heads of households who enjoyed one of the best mother's day gifts ---their citizenship to, "Get involved in the democratic process. Become active in your neighborhoods schools and public life," Meeks stated. "Help us make America a better, more tolerant, and more just country."
*Today's ceremony is believed to be the first time that a member of Congress has sworn in 60 naturalized citizens in the Sixth Congressional District.
For more information on Congressman Gregory W. Meeks American Dream Initiative contact the office of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks 718.725.6000