WASHINGTON –
Thirty-one members of the U.S. military became American citizens when Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet A. Napolitano sworn them in at the Sept. 10 U.S. Military Naturalization Ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard.
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates gave welcoming remarks and was closely followed by Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas who read the Call of Countries and presented the candidates for naturalization.
The sole Air Force representative was Airman 1st Class Carlo Santiago, 1st Medical Operations Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va.
"It was an honor to have been chosen," Airman Santiago said. He said it was a "once-in-a-lifetime chance" to have the secretaries at the ceremony.
Originally from Manila, Philippines, Airman Santiago joined the Air Force a year-and-a-half ago. His family immigrated to the U.S. in 1995 when he was 11. He sought citizenship "to give back something to the country that's given so much to me and my family."
The defense secretary noted the ceremony brought together people from 20 nations from five continents. The countries included Bangladesh, China, Ecuador, Ghana, Haiti, India, Iran, Jamaica, Liberia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, according to DOD officials.
Secretary Gates added the service members have shown their love for the United States in the most honorable way - by serving in its Armed Forces.
Secretary Napolitano concurred. She said it takes a special kind of person to serve and defend a nation not their own.
"Since 9/11, we have helped more than 52,000 courageous Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors gain the benefits and rewards of U.S. citizenship," Secretary Napolitano said. "I am proud to swear in these brave men and women who have come from all over the world to serve our country and become its newest citizens."
In her remarks, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the strength of the partnership between DHS and the Department of Defense that resulted in more than 9,000 non-citizens in uniform becoming American citizens this fiscal year--more than any year since 1970.
Individuals must normally wait five years before applying to become a U.S. citizen, but DOD Instruction 5500.14 states for non-U.S. service member serving in the Armed Forces, the initial application can be made in one year during time of conflict.