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More Than 200 Ohioans Become U.S. Citizens In Statehouse Ceremony

219 people from 54 countries became US citizens in a ceremony at the Statehouse today.  And they were pretty pleased about it.

Sage Shahid, Maree Gavhed, Man Biswa and Augustine Ackah all became citizens today. They live in the 15-county area covered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office in Columbus.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose spoke at the event, in which the new citizens all received applications to become registered voters.

Naturalization ceremonies like this are held around the state several times a year.

Man Biswa looks at the certificate he received at the naturalization ceremony. (credit Kasler)
Karen Kasler /
Man Biswa looks at the certificate he received at the naturalization ceremony. (credit Kasler)
New U.S. citizens listen to a speech from Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
Karen Kasler /
New U.S. citizens listen to a speech from Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
Two new citizens pose with U.S District Judge Algenon Marbley, who offered opening remarks.
Karen Kasler /
Two new citizens pose with U.S District Judge Algenon Marbley, who offered opening remarks.
A father and his children listen at the ceremony.
Karen Kasler /
A father and his children listen at the ceremony.
New citizens recite the Pledge of Allegiance after the naturalization ceremony.
Karen Kasler /
New citizens recite the Pledge of Allegiance after the naturalization ceremony.
A new citizen appears emotional after the naturalization ceremony.
Karen Kasler /
A new citizen appears emotional after the naturalization ceremony.

Copyright 2020 The Statehouse News Bureau

Contact Karen at 614/578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.