FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON—A group of approximately 25 area children representing 16 countries will celebrate their U.S. citizenship during a special ceremony Tuesday at President Lincoln's Cottage. The ceremony will take place in the cottage's Emancipation Room, where it is believed President Abraham Lincoln drafted the Emancipation Proclamation.
Sarah Taylor, Washington District Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will administer a special Oath of Allegiance and present the children with Certificates of Citizenship. President Lincoln’s Cottage Director Erin Carlson Mast will address the children. Following the ceremony, the children will receive a tour of the cottage. During the Civil War, the cottage was home to President Lincoln and his family from June to November in 1862, 1863 and 1864.
The children, ages 6 to 14, hail from the following countries: Afghanistan, China, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, Sudan, Turkey, Vietnam and Zambia.
USCIS periodically holds special ceremonies for children to recognize and celebrate their citizenship, which is generally derived through their naturalized parents or adoption. For more information about USCIS programs, please visit www.uscis.gov.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Tuesday (April 24)
WHERE: Armed Forces Retirement Home (Eagle Gate)
President Lincoln's Cottage
Rock Creek Church Road NW and Upshur Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20011
*If using GPS: 140 Rock Creek Church Road
CONTACT: Daniel Cosgrove, public affairs officer, USCIS, 202-272-1228 (O), 202-604-9839 (C)
Alison Mitchell, media relations, President Lincoln's Cottage, 202-829-0436 x31228
NOTE: Media: Please RSVP to daniel.cosgrove@dhs.gov no later than 10 a.m. Tuesday. Free parking available. For directions, visit www.lincolncottage.org.