San Antonio Missions celebrates National Park Week with a naturalization ceremony Thursday

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San Antonio Missions celebrates National Park Week with a naturalization ceremony Thursday

National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis will welcome new citizens 

The public is invited to join candidates from 22 countries, who will become new citizens during a ceremony at Mission San José at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 23. This special ceremony is taking place during National Park Week under a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis will join United States Magistrate Judge John W. Primomo, who will preside over the ceremony. Attendees will enjoy music from the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own” Mission Brass Quintet. The Harlandale High School Junior ROTC will provide the color guard for the ceremony. Some of the countries represented by the candidates include Australia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Sudan, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Yemen.

“This event fits in perfectly with the National Park Week theme of Find Your Park,” said Jarvis. “The San Antonio Missions, with their rich history reflecting San Antonio’s vibrant culture, provide the perfect setting to welcome our newest citizens. And, they will now be co-owners of this and 406 other national parks which preserve our country’s beautiful landscapes and diverse history. Visit them! Treasure them! Find Your Park!”

A successful partnership agreement between the NPS and USCIS introduces new citizens to some of the nation’s most significant natural resources and cultural heritage sites. These historic and picturesque sites, like Mission San José, provide an ideal backdrop for citizenship ceremonies, where new citizens can learn about and reflect on American identity and the responsibilities of citizenship.