Secretary Napolitano and USCIS Director Mayorkas Lead Naturalization Ceremony at Boston's Historic Faneuil Hall

Recognize Holocaust Survivor as Outstanding American By Choice

BOSTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today welcomed more than 400 new U.S. citizens representing 78 countries of origin at a naturalization ceremony at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall.

“I am proud to welcome these men and women as the newest citizens of our nation,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I commend their dedication to the responsibilities and ideals shared by all Americans.”

“I am honored to be joined by Secretary Napolitano at this historic Hall to welcome more than 400 of our newest citizens,” said Director Mayorkas. “I can’t imagine a more fitting venue in which to become a citizen than one where the very words of our founders still reverberate today.”

The Honorable Nathaniel M. Gorton, Massachusetts District Court Judge presided during the naturalization ceremony, which welcomed new citizens originally hailing from 78 countries spanning five continents.

During the ceremony, Secretary Napolitano and Director Mayorkas recognized Stephan Ross, founder of the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston, as an Outstanding American by Choice for his unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to community and public service.

Ross was liberated from the Dachau concentration camp at age 14 by American soldiers, was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1954, and has worked for more than 40 years as a licensed psychologist for the City of Boston. He continues to volunteer his time with the Street Worker Program in Boston—a network of neighborhood-based organizations that help at-risk youth and their families gain access to a wide array of health and social services. 

For more information, visit www.uscis.gov or www.dhs.gov.