Orange County welcomes 86 new U.S. citizens from 39 countries

GOSHEN — Orange County Clerk Donna L. Benson administered the Oath of Allegiance to 86 people from 39 countries at a naturalization ceremony presided over by Orange County Family Court Judge Andrew P. Binova.

Eighty-six people, the youngest being 20 years of age and the oldest 79, from 39 countries took the Oath of Allegiance, the final part of the naturalization process, renouncing all foreign allegiance while pledging to support and the defend the American Constitution and laws of the United States.

“Each one of you has made sacrifices to be here today,” Benson said. “Whatever those sacrifices are, we’re glad you made them.”

The county clerk also urged the newly naturalized citizens to not forget their family traditions and customs.

The guest speaker was state Supreme Court Justice Sandra Sciortino, who told the story of her grandfather’s journey from Italy to New York.

“Each of you as citizens has a share of our democracy,” she said.

She also urged the new citizens to become politically active: “You have the obligation and right to vote.”

Deputy County Clerk Mary S. Coleman, Deputy County Clerk Mary Beth Greene, Naturalization Clerk Joanne Aversano, along with the County Clerk’s staff organizes “A Celebration of Citizenship” six times a year to welcome and congratulate new citizens at their final meeting.