The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Chef José Andrés speaks on his experience as a naturalized citizen and what it means to be part of the American Dream.
Chef José Andrés, Presidential Ambassador for Citizenship and Naturalization, sent the message below to the White House email list, telling people about his story of becoming citizen and encouraging others to learn more about the naturalization process.
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Two years ago, I had the honor and privilege of taking the oath of citizenship to become an American citizen.
This country has given me wonderful opportunities to expand my passion to not only serve people great food, but to share stories through the dishes I serve in my restaurants. In 1990, I moved to New York City with little more than $50 and a set of cooking knives. Today, I own 22 restaurants throughout the United States and in Mexico because of the opportunities afforded to me in this country.
I am honored to be a Presidential Ambassador for Citizenship and Naturalization, an initiative of the White House Task Force on New Americans, which is a government-wide effort committed to strengthening integration efforts nationwide and building welcoming communities for immigrants and refugees.
I invite you all to listen to my story and to encourage others to take the next steps towards becoming a U.S. citizen:
On September 17, 2015, President Obama launched the Stand Stronger Citizenship Awareness Campaign to promote the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of citizenship. You can learn more about the benefits and process of becoming a U.S. citizen at www.CommitToCitizenship.org.
Watch President Obama deliver remarks at a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/live.
Sincerely,
Chef José Andrés
Presidential Ambassador for Citizenship and Naturalization
