Immigrants Become Citizens At Schaumburg Township District Library

More than 30 countries were represented by the 75 immigrants who took the U.S. Naturalization Oath Friday, Sept. 16 at the Schaumburg Township District Library (STDL) in Schaumburg, IL. The Naturalization Ceremony marked the sixth time the oath was taken at the library, where many immigrants come to learn English and prepare for becoming U.S. citizens. The event takes place biannually at STDL.

Each ceremony begins with welcome speeches by the Branch Chief for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the library board president, and even the president of the United States, via video. Following the welcome, the citizens-to-be are honored with the Presentation of Colors by the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates American Legion Post 1983 before the Oath of Allegiance is administered by the USCIS District Director.

"The ceremony is a tribute to the rich diversity of our community," said STDL's Executive Director Stephanie Sarnoff. "We are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping people fulfill a dream. We are especially excited to see some of the people who have attended the library's citizenship preparation classes come full circle by taking their oath here as well."

To learn about literacy and citizenship classes at STDL, check the library's Program Guide or go to www.schaumburglibrary.org. Interest persons may also send an email to Helen Stewart at sstewart@stdl.org, or call her at (847) 923-3387.