The American Forces Press Service announced that 156 of their service members were granted citizenship “through service to the nation.” The naturalization ceremony was held at Camp Victory, Iraq on July 4th and was presided over by Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden.
All branches of service were represented amongst the 156 military personnel present and represented 56 different countries. The commander of American forces in Iraq also spoke at the ceremony expressing gratitude to those who chose to service their country even before obtaining “the right of U.S. citizenship.”
In 2009 10,000 military personnel became naturalized citizens taking advantage of legislation passed in 2000 making it easier for military personnel and their families to obtain citizenship.
Photo Credits: Elaine Wilson, Dept of Defense
