Dallas City Hall rolled out the red carpet for new Americans as 30 Dallas residents from 18 different countries took the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony on December 14. The event, a collaboration between the City of Dallas and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was yet another demonstration of the city's ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive community.
Assistant City Manager Liz Cedillo-Pereira emphasized the city's commitment to inclusiveness. "In hosting the naturalization ceremony, we reaffirm the city’s commitment to advancing equity and inclusion that welcomes immigrants,” she said. The ceremony mirrors the Welcoming Dallas Strategic Plan and the Racial Equity Plan, aiming to engage diverse populations in civic life, including access to citizenship avenues, as reported by the City of Dallas.
The naturalization event, which underscores the city's diverse fabric, had Jorge A. Molina of J. Molina Law Firm PLLC as the guest speaker, with the Dallas Police Department presenting the colors. Michael Childs from the Office of Arts and Culture Community Artist Program led the national anthem, capturing the profound moment. Local Council Members, including Jesse Moreno and Adam Bazaldua, were present, endorsing the spirit of the ceremony alongside the League of Women Voters, who provided new citizens with voter registration assistance.
Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Lindsey Wilson, remarked on the significance of the occasion. “Today’s ceremony is not just about a legal process; it is a celebration of courage, resilience, and a profound commitment to civic engagement,” Wilson said. The event, Wilson insisted, stands as a reminder of how Dallas benefits from the cultural richness brought forth by immigrants who have chosen to call the city their home, per the City of Dallas.
For those inspired to follow in the footsteps of Dallas's newest citizens, the city's Office of Equity and Inclusion—Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division has compiled a list of BIA-accredited nonprofits providing free or low-cost assistance with citizenship applications. Interested parties can access this resource online at bit.ly/Dallascitizenship or get a referral by calling 214-671-5087 during business hours.
