Full Breakdown
Naturalization Ceremony on USS Little Rock Welcomes Over 20 New U.S. Citizens from 13 Nations
6/18/2026, 5:33:35 AM
Event Overview
On Wednesday, a naturalization ceremony was conducted aboard the historic guided-missile cruiser USS Little Rock, docked at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park in Buffalo, New York. More than 20 individuals took the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming United States citizens.
Data & Statistics
- Participants: Over 20 new citizens.
- Countries of origin: 13 nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, China, Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
- Venue: USS Little Rock, a decommissioned cruiser serving as a museum ship.
Key Figures & Groups
- Yijing Xu – a naturalized citizen originally from China, who arrived in the United States 16 years ago.
- Luallen – a speaker at the ceremony.
- USS Little Rock – the naval vessel providing the setting for the ceremony.
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park – the host site for the event.
Official Statements & Responses
Luallen emphasized that the ceremony demonstrates the nation’s commitment to welcoming new citizens, describing the event as a privilege to see families assume the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. He noted that, despite today’s political climate, such events underscore unity and the country’s “melting pot” character.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Participants described the ceremony as a culmination of long-term aspirations. Xu expressed excitement about completing a 16-year journey toward citizenship and emphasized her intention to retain cultural heritage while embracing her new status. Several attendees noted a sense of relief after navigating the naturalization process.
Why It Matters
The ceremony highlights the role of naturalization ceremonies in affirming the legal and civic inclusion of immigrants. Conducting the event aboard a historic naval vessel links the tradition of service to the broader narrative of national belonging. Including individuals from diverse geographic backgrounds reflects the country’s ongoing demographic changes and its practice of welcoming new citizens.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source material does not provide details on future naturalization ceremonies at the Buffalo park or the total number of participants beyond “more than 20.” No dissenting viewpoints or criticisms of the ceremony are presented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had that dream to step out of my home country when I was a kid,” — Yijing Xu, naturalized citizen (China)
- “We are welcoming new citizens and adding them to the melting pot of America,” — Luallen
- “It is a long process to become a citizen, but it is amazing to see the joy on their faces.” — Luallen
- “Trust your heart and believe in God. This is a great country to be in,” — Yijing Xu, naturalized citizen (China)
- “I am excited about the new chapter ahead and I will carry my culture and roots into this new chapter as well,” — Yijing Xu, naturalized citizen (China)
