KENNEBUNK, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today attended a naturalization ceremony hosted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the Middle School of the Kennebunks in which 71 people from more than 30 countries were officially granted U.S. citizenship. King, who spoke at the ceremony, congratulated the new Americans on their citizenship and emphasized the importance of diversity in enriching our society.

“It was a privilege to participate in today’s ceremony and to officially welcome America’s newest citizens. They have come here from all across the world, many in search of the freedom and opportunity embodied in the promise of our nation, and now they are a part of the rich tapestry that is the United States,” Senator King said. “As a public official, there is no more powerful or inspiring moment than to witness the joy and happiness of someone becoming a citizen – of achieving a dream. It is a solemn reminder that the true gift of our country lies in our shared heritage as citizens and that it is our diversity as a people that makes us strong.”

The 71 candidates originate from the following 33 countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, India, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Latvia, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. 

The candidates reside in the following Maine cities and towns:  Arundel, Augusta, Bangor, Berwick, Biddeford, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Harpswell, Harrison, Kennebunkport, Lewiston, Oakland, Portland, Scarborough, Sidney, South Berwick, South Portland, Unity, Wells, Waldoboro, and Westbrook.

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