40 New Citizens Celebrated At County Regional Operations Center

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Forty immigrants from 18 nations became the newest citizens of the United States Friday, Dec. 2, during a special ceremony held at the San Mateo County's Regional Operations Center, which serves as the hub of the County’s emergency response activities, in downtown Redwood City.

"Red, white and blue balloons and streamers welcomed the new citizens in a ceremony both joyous and solemn," San Mateo County Chief Communications Officer Michelle Durand, wrote in a news release.

"San Mateo County Supervisors Carole Groom and Dave Pine congratulated the immigrants and honored their commitment to democracy," Durand wrote.

The new citizens come from Belarus, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China, El Salvador, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine and Yemen.

Ellen Jankins, citizen section chief at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' San Francisco Field Office, administered the Oath of Allegiance.

"Numerous County of San Mateo departments attended the ceremony and to help the attendees navigate the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen," Durand wrote.

The newest citizens also watched a presentation on registering to vote.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors and the Office of Community Affairs provided a welcoming environment for the ceremony.