FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Twenty-two people from 17 countries officially became United States citizens Wednesday during a naturalization ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site. The ceremony was held on the historic fort’s parade ground, providing a unique setting for the new citizens to complete a years-long naturalization process.
U.S. District Judge Holly L. Teeter was scheduled to preside over the ceremony, with Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott Mayor Kathryn Salsbury providing opening remarks. The Fort Scott High School Orchestra also was scheduled to perform as part of the event.
Naturalization is the process through which eligible people born outside the United States become U.S. citizens. Applicants must meet a number of requirements, including demonstrating an understanding of the English language and passing a test covering U.S. history and government.
Following Wednesday’s ceremony, about half of the 22 new citizens registered to vote, allowing them to participate in future elections.
Fort Scott National Historic Site hosts a naturalization ceremony each September. The event comes just ahead of Constitution Week, observed Sept. 17-23, which recognizes the signing of the U.S. Constitution and the connection between citizenship and the nation’s founding principles.
