2 months ago
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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell condemned the turning away of prospective citizens based on their national origin at a naturalization ceremony in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
A new release issued Tuesday night from the clerk’s office said the incident happened during the We the People event at Union Station, where people who had completed all requirements to become U.S. citizens were denied the opportunity to take the oath of citizenship.
The release wasn’t clear who turned people away at the naturalization ceremony, or what countries they were from.
Bell said in a statement, “I am outraged by what occurred at Union Station today. Dozens of individuals who completed every requirement, passed every test, and been fully vetted by our government were turned away the day they were to become United States citizens.”
Bell added, “These prospective Americans deserve better than to be political pawns. They deserve the dignity, respect, and welcome that every new citizen should receive.”
The clerk’s office regularly participates in naturalization ceremonies to register new citizens to vote and explain how elections are administered in Marion County.
Bell emphasized the hard work and commitment of the prospective citizens who were denied citizenship, noting that they had studied U.S. history, learned its laws, and demonstrated their dedication to the country.
She described the federal gov...
English (US) ·