Cantwell speaks at 36th Annual Seattle Center Naturalization Ceremony
SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined Washington Governor Inslee, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, as well as Chief Judge Ricardo Martinez and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services District Director, Anne Corsano at the 36th annual Naturalization Ceremony at the Seattle Center.
At the ceremony, Senator Cantwell delivered remarks and urged the importance of upholding Americans’ constitutional right to vote:
“I’m here to say, congratulations, my fellow Americans… It's an honor to be here to celebrate this day with you… We're here to witness your transformation from your country of birth to now the citizenry of the United States. And that transformation means you're helping us bring about change. Throughout history, our immigrant nation has brought about opportunity and refuge. That is a place to call home and the place to build a new America.
“There's practically not an organization in our state, whether you're talking about companies like Nordstrom, or Microsoft, or Amazon or Boeing or Starbucks that has not been made a success by an immigrant community. More than 74,000 immigrant businesses are owned right here in the state of Washington. These are people that are enriching our society and bringing about change.
“But, as was mentioned, part of that is our US Constitution and federal laws guaranteeing you the right to vote. And if you haven't noticed, our voting rights are in question today and how they're going to be administered. So I hope you will help us strengthen that, to participate, to make sure that you are part of the debate and that your voices are heard. I know that you will be… part of a more progressive democracy because you are adding diversity to our nation. Congratulations, My fellow Americans.”
Audio from today’s ceremony is available HERE.
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