SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly 400 people took the oath to become citizens of the United States Wednesday morning.
People from nearly 80 different countries took the oath Wednesday morning at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams was at the naturalization ceremony, and he spoke to those who took the oath.
“My fellow Americans, congratulations on becoming citizens of the United States of America,” he said at the ceremony. “I encourage you to fully embrace and be proud of your new American identity, but to also remember your roots. Let them be the strong foundation as you grow here in your adopted home.”
McAdams said cultural diversity and bright ideas are part of Utah’s economic success, and he said these new citizens will contribute to that success.
“For Salt Lake, this is just indicative of, we’re a state and a community of pioneers, and today 400 new pioneers will become part of Utah and part of this great country,” he said.
Yasna O’Brien was one of those who took the oath Wednesday. She immigrated from Chile, and she said she is excited to have the rights that come with U.S. citizenship.
“I’m going to be able to vote, have different kinds of rights, have the same rights as my kids have,” she said.
