(Host) Vermont gained 104 new U.S. citizens today.
Their family and friends crowded into the Statehouse as the applicants formally renounced allegiance to any other country and then took their oaths of citizenship.
U.S. District Judge William Sessions presided over the ceremony.
He says the naturalization ceremony is an important demonstration of the principles behind the United States.
(Sessions) "It’s special because we are in such a wonderful setting. But it’s also special because this is close to the anniversary of 9-11. And this is a reminder once again that we are a land of immigrants and that our doors are, and should be open to all who come."
(Host) The applicants represented 36 nationalities and hailed from South America, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials say the new citizens come from a variety of backgrounds and occupations.
Among the group were scientists, business owners, office workers, engineers and students.