Ambassador Kenney Welcomes Four Balikatan Participants as New U.S. Citizens During U.S. Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony at Embassy

“We are a diverse nation, a nation of immigrants, and we are extremely proud of that,” U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney said in welcoming four foreign-born U.S. military servicemen who were naturalized as U.S. citizens in a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy Monday, April 27, 2009.

Two of those who were naturalized as U.S. citizens were born in the Philippines:  Renny Vitug, who is serving in the U.S. Navy; and Mario Vinoya who is serving in the U.S. Navy.

China-born Jin Lin, who is with the U.S. Navy, and Mexico-born Jose Rodriguez Peralta, who is serving with the U.S. Marines, were the other two who were naturalized in the ceremony.  

All four are in the Philippines for the annual joint Balikatan 2009 humanitarian assistance and training exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The ceremony at the Embassy was the first in the Philippines since President Bush signed in 2003 an executive order allowing the naturalization outside  the United States who U.S. military members who are on active duty.

“Being an American citizen means being willing to stand up for our country,” Ambassador Kenney told the new U.S. citizens.  “But being an American does not mean losing your roots,” she said.  “Americans,” the Ambassador added, “are a nation of people who trace our character to other nations.” 

“You now bring your talents, the great cultural awareness, and the great gift from your birth land to America, and these are what make our country stronger, a country that’s truly reflective of all Americans,” the Ambassador told the four servicemen.

U.S. Active Duty Military Member naturalization applicants are required to undergo an interview to determine their qualification for U.S. citizenship including that they are serving honorably in the U.S. Military; have one year of good moral character; are able to speak, read, and write in the English language; understand U.S. government and history; and are willing to swear allegiance to the United States of America