Jackson was U.S. Attorney General when the Immigration and Naturalization Service was made part of the U.S. Department of Justice on June 14, 1940. In his remarks that day, Jackson noted the role of naturalization in the immigration process.

“We must remember that most of them have sought this country as a haven from other systems of government,” Jackson said. “Most of them, like millions of immigrants before them, have the makings of good Americans. … No greater disservice to the cause of American unity and defense can be perpetrated than the wholesale arousing of hate against persons of foreign birth who have been attracted to this country by our promise of American opportunity.”

In the center dedicated to Jackson’s memory, 56 immigrants officially became American citizens on Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by Judge Mark W. Pederson of the Western District of New York inside of Robert H. Jackson Center’s Cappa Theater, which officially became a temporary courtroom for the ceremony, said Kenny Macdonald, Jackson Center spokesperson Doors to the event opened at 10 a.m. and gave attendees the opportunity to explore the Jackson Center beforehand.

The ceremony kicked off at 11 a.m. and began with opening remarks from various individuals. Opening speakers included a representative from the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary Croxton of the League of Women Voters, the Rev. Luke Fodor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Officer Cavarello, and Robert H. Jackson Center President Kristan McMahon. All of these speakers gave praise and congratulations to the naturalization participants, noting the incredible amount of work and dedication which they have shown.

Another individual awaiting naturalization explores the Robert H. Jackson Center.

Court was convened within the theater and Justice Pederson welcomed all in attendance. Pederson then, following a motion from Cavarello, began the administration of the Oath of Allegiance. The oath is recited by all taking place in the naturalization ceremony. The purpose of the oath is to renounce any allegiance to foreign authorities and to swear to defend the U.S. law and constitution from all foreign or domestic enemies. After the completion of the oath, everyone in the room recited the pledge of allegiance together and were led by a volunteer from the group of new citizens. Justice Pederson and Officer Cavarello then began to distribute the Certificates of Naturalization. One by one the new citizens were called up by Cavarello and were handed the certificate by Judge Pederson. Once the certificates were done being distributed, court was adjourned. Individuals then had the opportunity to line up and take pictures with Justice Pederson, along with family and friends as well. The room beamed with excitement and smiles from all of the new citizens.

Directly outside of the theater was a table set up by the League of Women Voters that provided information and congratulations to the new citizens. The goal of the table, and the organization as a whole, is to educate and inform on voting rights and democratic principals, said Co-President Nancy Boyton. Boyton explained that this meant a perfect opportunity for the organization to provide voter information and services to new citizens, who will soon be voting for the first time. Boyton stated that the table was aiding new citizens in registering to vote, and providing pamphlets with useful information for first-time voters. The table was also providing links to websites that provide non-partisan information on various candidates, according to Boyton.

(Left) A table and representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution, (Right) a table and representatives from the League of Women Voters.

A lady waiting to be naturalized explores the history in the Robert H. Jackson Center.

Judge Mark W. Pederson posing with a new citizen for a photo after the Naturalization Ceremony. P-J photos by Owen Reed