Immigration the Right Way; U.S. Population Grows by 40 at Naturalization Ceremony

SAN ANGELO, TX -- 40 people from eight countries officially became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Angelo State University Wednesday.  

U.S. Magistrate Federal Judge Scott Frost presided at the swearing in ceremony where each of the new citizens were sworn in and then presented with a certificate of citizenship.  Hundreds of family members and well wishers attended the ceremony as well.  

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San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter attended the ceremony as well.  Keynote speaker Victor Rodriguez, Resident Agent in charge for Department of Homeland Security in San Angelo told the crowd it was an honor to speak to the new citizens because they cherished their new country and what it stands for.  

The oldest new citizen is Blasa Castro Gamboa from Mexico.  She is 87-years-old.  The youngest new citizen sworn in Wednesday is Iris Jaqueline Dominquez Sanchez from Mexico.  She is 19-years-old. 

The 40 new citizens came from eight countries including 29 from Mexico, three from Vietnam, three from the Philippines, and one each from Bolivia, Kosovo, Nigeria, Panama and the Ukraine.  

Naturalization ceremonies are held once each quarter according to U.S. District Clerk Deputy Daina Schwartz.