Utah is home to more than 300,000 immigrants and refugees who offer numerous contributions to our state and have aspirations to become naturalized U.S. citizens. More than 80,000 permanent Utah residents are eligible for citizenship. Becoming a naturalized citizen opens many economic opportunities, including access to better-paying jobs and higher wages, new academic opportunities and scholarships, increasing homeownership rates, and stronger civic engagement.
In honor of National Citizenship Day and Welcoming Week, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) is partnering with Real Salt Lake to host a naturalization oath ceremony for twenty-five new American citizens before the Sept. 18 soccer match. The New American Citizens will be recognized on the field at half-time along with a special announcement about the Utah Citizenship Initiative led by GOEO. This initiative will launch in October and will help communities around the state learn about the naturalization process and provide resources for immigrants and residents to become U.S. citizens.
When:
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Where:
America First Field, 9256 S. State St., Sandy, UT 84070
Agenda
- 4:30-4:35 pm: Welcoming remarks by Natalie El-Deiry, director of the Utah Center for Global Talent & New Americans, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
- 4:35-4:38 pm: National anthem performed by Sulu Tofete and posting of the colors by the Taylorsville High School JROTC
- 4:38-4:43 pm: Address by Kyle Schroeder, vice president of community & player engagement for Real Salt Lake. Utah Royals and Real Monarchs
- 4:55-5:05 pm: New Citizens remarks by USCIS facilitates
- 5:20-5:25 pm: Closing remarks by invitation from Pete Codella, managing director of Business Services, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
- 8:15-8:30 pm: New American Citizen recognition at half-time
