Today, Senator Luz Escamilla joined over 120 immigrants representing more than 40 nations and their loved ones and as they as they took the oath of naturalization, becoming citizens of the United States. During the naturalization ceremony, Senator Escamilla was honored with the Outstanding American by Choice recognition by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, celebrating her remarkable contributions and achievements as a naturalized U.S. citizen. Through active engagement in civic affairs, notable professional accomplishments, and exemplary citizenship, recipients of this prestigious recognition have demonstrated their commitment to this nation and to the shared civic values that unite us all as Americans. Notably, Senator Escamilla holds the distinction of being the inaugural recipient in 2024 and the first Utahn to receive this honor.
Senator Escamilla truly embodies the spirit of this initiative. Originally from Mexico, Luz Escamilla has set herself apart in our state and in our nation as a force for good. Arriving in the U.S. as a teenager, she felt a deep-seated responsibility to advocate for minority communities from an early age. In her heartfelt remarks today, she shared:
“When I became a citizen, I was a young mother with a newborn baby, and I had a very heavy sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of my community and as a New American I had an incredible sense of giving back to the country that was opening doors and giving me an opportunity to fly. That is why I made the decision to run for office few years after I became a citizen… The ‘American Dream’ is alive. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. All of you are examples of how that ‘American Dream’ becomes reality; your story and your experiences are real. Talk about your experiences because they are what make us so strong as a nation.”
Presenting the award to Senator Escamilla, Michael Crabtree, USCIS SLC Field Office Director, remarked:
“March is a month dedicated to honoring the achievements of women in various fields. The United Nations’ theme for this Women’s Month is ‘invest in women, accelerate progress.’ It’s fitting that in March, I have the honor of presenting this award to Senator Luz Escamilla. Senator Escamilla has been a trendsetter in many ways, in 2005 she was appointed by Gov. John Huntsman as the first director for the state office of ethnic affairs. She was also the first Latina elected to the State Senate, and the first immigrant elected to the Utah State Legislature. In her work in the State Senate, Senator Escamilla’s policy focus has been the well-being of Utah’s families, aiming to address the social determinants of health and uplift healthcare outcomes and quality of life. Her advocacy extends to the challenges faced by working families and the needs of children. Her comprehensive efforts encompass healthcare access and cost, food security, air quality, transportation access, high quality childcare, home visiting services, and more. She has indeed been working to accelerate progress.”
Senator Luz Escamilla’s pioneering leadership serves as an inspiration to all. Her tireless advocacy for the well-being of Utah’s families, particularly in addressing critical issues affecting children and working families, reflects her loyal dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive community. Her legacy epitomizes the essence of outstanding American citizenship. As a state, and as a nation, we are stronger and better because of her leadership.
Find out more about the award: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/civic-integration/outstanding-americans-by-choice
