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Several times during a week, a hundred or so people gather on the 2nd floor of the Brooklyn Federal Court. They have not been summoned or forced to come in any way; they are there because they want to. They are about
to become citizens of the United States.
The faces seen and languages heard before and after the naturalization ceremonies are those of the world: Africans, Asians, Europeans, Latin Americans.
While
they come from across the globe, they are gathered in this spot because they yearn to join in the greatest experiment in human history, the continuing creation of the United States of America.
The
participants have cleared numerous hurdles to become citizens. While each immigrant is different, all are unified in a goal to start a new life here, partners with those of us fortunate enough to be born in this
great country.
The ceremonies are presided over by a United States District Court judge. These are special moments for the judges as well, giving them a chance to salute the efforts of the men and women they
are about to naturalize, while encouraging them to fully participate in the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship.
These ceremonies are open to the public. They serve as a real, and often
moving, civics lesson that visitors will not soon forget.
They are always held in courtroom #3, the Ceremonial Courtroom.
Please come and take part in this uniquely American experience.
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