On Sept. 8, the first naturalization ceremony in Ulster County to be held in a location other than the County Courthouse took place at Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge. At the ceremony, 47 individuals became U.S. citizens, making them eligible to vote and to apply for a U.S. passport, along with many other opportunities.

Naturalization is the legal process through which an immigrant to the United States becomes a citizen. The final stage of the process is the naturalization ceremony, where the oath of allegiance is administered and certificates of citizenship are presented.

At the ceremony in Stone Ridge, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack presided. Many county officials spoke, including Sheriff Juan Figueroa who greeted the audience in Spanish and is the first Latino county sheriff in New York State. UCCC President Dr. Alison Buckley also spoke. Her family emigrated from Ireland; she talked about the hardships they endured. She also encouraged the new citizens to apply to the community college.

“[The new citizens are a] beacon of hope for the county,” County Executive Jen Metzger said.

State Supreme Court Judge Sharon Graff presented the certificates, encouraging the recipients to “be active participants in their government.” She told them to vote and to learn how their government works. She also said to serve on juries when called and to run for office if they are so inclined.

At the end of the ceremony, “America the Beautiful” was sung by the Woodcrest School Choir and souvenir American flags were distributed by the Wiltwyck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.