County Clerk Kendall to host Naturalization Ceremony at the Family Partnership Center

Poughkeepsie, New York: Dutchess County Clerk Bradford H. Kendall will host a Naturalization Ceremony and administer the Oath of Allegiance to approximately one hundred-fifty new citizens. The event will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 2 in the afternoon at the Family Partnership Center, 29 North Hamilton Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. The Honorable Edward McLoughlin, New York State Acting Supreme Court Justice and Dutchess County Court Judge, will preside over the ceremony. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Evan Watson as seen on The Voice, and music featured on television – Homeland, Unnecessary Roughness, and Army Wives will provide musical accompaniment.

Dutchess County Legislature Chairman A. Gregg Pulver will deliver the keynote address. Having served two-terms in the Legislature, Chairman Pulver is a relatively new member to the Legislative body and brings a fresh perspective to its leadership. At one time, Dutchess County’s Legislature was comprised entirely of farmers. As the Legislature’s only farmer, Chairman Pulver follows the footsteps of Dutchess County’s storied history. He previously served as Supervisor of the Town of Pine Plains. Additionally, his experience includes: serving on the Pine Plains Central School’s Board of Education, member of Sharon Hospital’s Board of Trustees, lifetime member of the Pine Plains Fire Department and Director of the Pine Plains Lions Club.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes all naturalization applications and provides the clerk’s office with a list of the candidates selected to be naturalized. All petitioners must then participate in a Naturalization Ceremony and swear to the Oath of Allegiance in a formal court proceeding. At that time, they can change their names legally to have their new names appear on the Certificate of Naturalization.

The Dutchess County Clerk’s Office is honored to take part in the final step of the naturalization process. In Dutchess County, naturalization ceremonies are held bi-monthly to induct new citizens of the United States of America.

The ceremony is open to the public and all are invited to attend.