15 become new U.S. citizens during July 4 ceremony at Saguaro National Park

15 Southern Arizona residents — natives of Congo, India, and Mexico — became new U.S. citizens on Saturday morning, taking the oath of citizenship at Saguaro National Park West.

With a view of the park’s towering hills of cactus at his back, Peter Yucupico, the chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, said he was honored to welcome the them to the United States and the Sonoran Desert.

“Thanks to God we’re here this morning and for the beauty that God has given,” he said, gesturing to the cacti and red hills behind him. “It belongs to you. You are to preserve it, guide it, and leave it for the next generation and for generations that will come after you.”

“Today is the anniversary of this country,” Yucupico said. “America is our country, too.”

Over the last decade, 7.7 million people have become naturalized citizens, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In 2024, more than 13 percent of those new citizens came from Mexico.

The agency has not published naturalization statistics under the Trump administraiton.

During Saturday’s ceremony — the 13th such July 4 event held at the national park — the 15 new citizens each recited the Oath of Allegiance.

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

Previous ceremonies have relied on U.S. District Court judges, including
Judge Bruce G. MacDonald, but a change in policy means the oath is now administered by an official with USCIS.

“Hosting a naturalization ceremony on Independence Day at Saguaro National Park is a meaningful way to celebrate the ideals of freedom, democracy and citizenship that unite our nation,” said Kelly Furhamm, Saguaro National Park’s superintendent. “As part of the Freedom 250 commemoration, we are proud to welcome America’s newest citizens and invite their friends and family to share in this special occasion.”

“This the 250 birthday of the country, which is kind of a big deal, but perhaps a bigger deal is the 15 new citizens,” Furhamm said. “So, congratulations to you all, it’s a big day for you and for the country.”

Furhamm encouraged the newly minted citizens to explore the country’s national parks, giving them a “passport” that can be stamped for each visit to each one—though he careful to note, this book is not a U.S. passport for traveling abroad.

And, he read a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt.

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children,” Furhamm read. “Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

“Cherish your freedom and the sacred trust you hold as citizens in a democracy,” Furhamm added.

Alisha Vasquez, disability cultures folklorist from Southwest Folklife Alliance, briefing explained the 4,000-year-old history of Tucson from its beginning at the base of Sentinel Peak through the Catholic missionaries, the walled presidio, and her family’s own history, five generations in.

“I regretfully took my citizenship for granted for way too long,” Vasquez said. “Unlike you all today, I was gifted birthright citizenship, and I’m happy to say that this right is still guaranteed to me and everybody else in the U.S. Constitution under section one of the 14th Amendment.”

She spoke about her great grandfather who arrived from Mexico while Arizona was still a U.S. territory, and set up a blacksmith shop on Meyer Ave. in Barrio Libre—now the site of the Tucson Convention Center.

“He was welcomed into Tucson and eventually became a citizen, much like you all,” Vasquez said. “While my family had it too easy 150 years ago, I know that today many people risk so much for a chance at U.S. citizenship.”

“No matter how a person has ended up on these lands, their presence, your presence here, has influenced the unique place that is Tucson, and beyond that, the United States,” she said. On the nation’s 250th anniversary, Vasquez—a history teacher—acknowledged the flaws of the Declaration of Independence, which did not include rights for woman, slaves and Native Americans.

“People have had to fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for 250 years,” Vasquez said. “I hope you feel the liberty to be yourself and fulfill your wildest dreams. I hope that anything you try in your future brings you happiness.”

“Each of you brings a lifetime of experiences and generations of knowledge with you from wherever in the world you were born. I encourage you to bring your whole self with you into this next journey of your life in the United States,” she said. “Voting is American, protesting is American, using your talent, skills, and passions for the common good is American.”

Poncho Boubion, from Mexico, warmly shook Yucupico’s hand. “This is such a great day, sir. I’ve dreamed of this.”

Jeannette Mukankaka, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, smiled broadly at Daniel Barigenera, already a naturalized citizen who accompanied her because she was so nervous. “I’m so happy, thank you, thank you.”

Carlos Olivarria, a native of Mexico, said he was looking forward to one thing above all: “Pizza everywhere, that’s what I want.”

His wife, Ernestina Olivarria, also originally from Mexico, described the moment in broader terms. “Feeling free, with no limits,” she said of what citizenship means to her.

Cynthia Hermosillo, who was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, said the timing and setting of her naturalization made the day especially meaningful.

“I’m very excited, first of all, because it’s the 250th anniversary,” Hermosillo said. “I feel very honored to be getting citizenship in the 250th year and at Saguaro National Park.”

An avid hiker, Hermosillo said the park setting added to the significance of the ceremony.

“I love nature and I’m a hiker. This is very special to me,” she said.

“I really got goosebumps because I didn’t realize how blessed I am to become a citizen of the United States,” Hermosillo said. “It’s a beautiful land, and I’m just happy to be able to vote and have freedom.”

Outside, families took photographs and smiled. One group of nearly a dozen family members set up a phone and made a social media video, holding American flags and cheering.