Melania Trump Congratulates Newest Americans
The former first lady makes a rare Washington, D.C. appearance at naturalization ceremony.
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East Wing Magazine
Dec. 15, 2023 — Former First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance Friday when the former first lady acknowledged the “arduous” path to American citizenship by congratulating 25 newly naturalized citizens during a ceremony at the National Archives.
Trump was born in Slovenia and became a United States citizen in 2006. She is also the first, first lady who is a naturalized citizen. In her speech, she spoke of the support from her parents and when she arrived in New York City while pursuing her career as a fashion model, she knew she wanted to make this country her home, she said.
“For me, reaching the milestone of American citizenship marked the sunrise of certainty,” Trump said, adding that she felt a tremendous sense of pride and belonging after reciting the Oath of Allegiance.
She noted the patience and perseverance in the citizenship process is constant while also acknowledging the complex legal language and paperwork involved.
She applauded the newly sworn in U.S. citizens and urged them to actively participate in democracy and to be a beacon to their children.
The ceremony was part of the National Archive’s annual celebration of Bill of Rights Day. It was held in the historic National Archives Rotunda, and celebrated people from 25 nations sworn in as new U.S. citizens in front of the Constitution and the nation’s other founding documents.
The citizenship candidates are from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.
Bill of Rights Day commemorates the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution on December 15, 1791.
Politico
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WSB-TV Atlanta
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