62 children take oath as US citizens in Chicago

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and federal officials have welcomed dozens of children from 23 countries as U.S. citizens.

Emanuel and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services representatives administered the oath of allegiance to 62 children Tuesday at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Two previous ceremonies were conducted in the City Council chambers and Emanuel will host future ceremonies at various locations as part of the city’s New American Initiative.

The mayor was the keynote speaker. He was joined by Alderman Ray Suarez and Lawrence Benito of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Angelica Atondo offered congratulatory remarks. The naturalized citizen is lead anchor for Univision Chicago News.

The Curie Metro High School Marine Corps JROTC color guard presented the colors. Malcolm Watkins-McNeil of Wendell Phillips Academy sang the National Anthem.