speeches

U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our Service members, their family and friends and members of their command. It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you as citizens of the United States.

It is also a pleasure and a privilege for me to welcome to the Consulate General Dr. Emilio Gonzalez, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Appointed by President Bush and confirmed by the US Senate in December 2005, Dr. Gonzalez leads an organization of more than 15,000 federal and contract employees. In an earlier incarnation, Dr. Gonzalez completed a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, during which he served as a military attaché to our embassies in El Salvador and Mexico. And I see from his biography that Dr. Gonzalez and I have something in common – we have both worked in Washington on Western Hemisphere issues. Dr. Gonzalez was director for Western Hemisphere affairs at the NSC, and I was executive director of the Western Hemisphere Affairs bureau in the Department from 2004-2005.

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, immigrants have added their contributions and cultures to America, making our nation strong. And throughout our history, immigrants have also answered America’s call to defend it against enemies, foreign and domestic. You, too, have answered that call.

Those of you who are about to become American citizens today come from 19 countries spanning the globe. From Argentina to Zambia, you come from many diverse backgrounds, yet one thing unites you. Each of you has chosen to become a U.S. citizen. Today, we celebrate your new citizenship and we welcome you.

The society that you defend and are about to join as Citizens was built on the dreams and determination of the millions of immigrants who came here before you. Throughout our history, immigrants have answered their adopted homeland’s call for sacrifice, and have built our nation in times of peace. Today, we offer special recognition to David JIMENEZ-Almazan, who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom.

To all of you, to your families and friends, I offer our warm welcome, best wishes, and heartfelt thanks.