New U.S citizens take oath of allegiance at Stonewall Monument
STORY: New U.S. citizens took an oath of allegiance at the Stonewall Monument
as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services commemorated Pride Month
Location: New York
The monument remembers the Stonewall riots in 1969
seen as the protests that birthed the international gay rights movement
(Ur Jaddou, Director of USCIS) "We're sitting here in such a monumental place that meant so much to the history of our country and what our country is about. It's about equality. It's about freedom. It's about liberty. And that's what we did today. And we imparted this on some new citizens, and that's just the beginning of a journey for them."
The naturalization ceremony was held for 12 new citizens
(Maria Cuartero Toledo, New U.S. citizen from Spain) "I'm straight myself, but I do have many gay friends. And also last year, I was working as a psychiatrist for transgender youth. So, for me, it has a very special meaning."
"A lot of emotions, happiness, curiosity to see my upcoming steps in the U.S. And I like the fact it's in this neighborhood. This neighborhood has a lot of meaning for me. I have many friends living here. The piano bar, where they spend many nights, is here. So, I think it's very special."
