DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) hosted its 14th Annual Constitution Day and U.S. Citizenship Celebration on its DeKalb Campus in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Fifty candidates for citizenship participated in a naturalization ceremony in recognition of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The program was conducted by Mr. Kevin Riddle, director, Atlanta Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, USCIS.
Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, began the ceremony by offering remarks. “Georgia Piedmont has one of the largest programs in our technical colleges system addressing the needs of, and providing support and education for the very diverse immigrant and refugee population in our area they make our community their new home,” Simama said. “Last year, more than 1,600 students enrolled in our free English language classes. Students who attend our college speak more than 80 languages and come from nearly 100 countries.”
“It’s been a long road for many of you - but, you’re about to become U.S. citizens,” Kevin Riddle, director, Atlanta Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said. “You will share the same rights and responsibilities as other Americans,” he stated. “We’re holding this ceremony during Constitution Week (recognized this year September 17 ~ September 23, 2017), so I encourage you to reflect on the rights and freedoms you will enjoy, as well as the ideals that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution,” he concluded.
Ms. Toni Head, supervisory immigration services officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, facilitated the program. Mr. Riddle administered the oath. (PLEASE NOTE: Technically, a paragraph should have a minimum of two sentences. Just a suggestion, I will most definitely send it as per your preference.)
During his speech, Riddle indicated all candidates had been interviewed and were found to exhibit good moral character. He also declared that all candidates met the requirements to become U.S. citizens.
Kamel Kahla, who currently resides in Marietta, but is originally from Jordan, said, “I am really happy about becoming a U.S. citizen. I am appreciative to the U.S. Government for allowing me to become a citizen of this lovely country.”
