State and Federal Dignitaries Will Welcome New Americans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2014
Representative Scott Kawasaki (D – Fairbanks) will join other dignitaries at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Wednesday, September 17, in a ceremony to welcome new citizens to the United States. The keynote speaker will be Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve superintendent Greg Dudgeon.
“I am humbled and grateful for the tremendous opportunity to welcome our new citizens on behalf of the Alaska Legislature,” said Representative Kawasaki. “It’s amazing to hear about their journeys to the U.S. and the multitude of obstacles some have overcome.”
Rep. Kawasaki has participated in numerous naturalization ceremonies during his eight years as the state representative for the City of Fairbanks. Presiding over Wednesday’s ceremony will be U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott A. Oravec, who expects to grant citizenship to approximately 35 new Americans.
“As Americans, we enjoy some of the greatest liberties on the globe,” Rep. Kawasaki said. “Whether it’s freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, or privacy in our homes, Alaskans expect the federal and state governments to protect them, but not be intrusive in their day-to-day lives. We’ve heard the news about how these securities are becoming scarcer in other countries, so it’s inspiring to know these individuals will now enjoy their full rights as Americans.”
The ceremony will begin at 10:30 A.M.; the public is encouraged to arrive a few minutes early.
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