City Welcomes 26 New Citizens on Tuesday

The City of Alexandria will join U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in welcoming 26 new citizens at its Citizenship Day event on Tuesday.

During the event, citizenship candidates take the oath of allegiance for U.S. citizenship. Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Obama, will make keynote remarks.

Mayor Bill Euille; members of City Council; Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Sarah Taylor, Washington District director, also will attend.

Naturalization requirements include: a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; an ability to read, write and speak English; knowledge and understanding of United States history and government; good moral character; and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

The Sept. 11 event also recognizes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, traditionally celebrated on Sept. 17. Civic and government groups across the country gather to discuss, honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in the United States, and to honor native-born and naturalized citizens.

The Citizenship Day ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Market Square in front of . The city's Remembrance Day ceremony in honor of Sept. 11, 2001, will take place immediately after at 6:30 p.m. in the same location. A City Council meeting follows in City Hall at 7 p.m.