Youngest U.S. citizens welcomed during ceremony
Magistratae Judge Donohue presents citizenship certificate to Lily Woods
SEATTLE -- The newest U.S. citizens in Seattle are also the youngest.
Five children took the Oath of Allegiance and were officially welcomed into the U.S. as citizens during a welcoming ceremony this morning.
Children under the age of 13 become U.S. citizens when their parents take the oath of citizenship, but are not formally included in the naturalization ceremony. To recognize the children as citizens the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington traditionally holds the ceremony.
"The judges of this court are honored to provide an opportunity for new citizen children to experience a welcoming ceremony of their own," Chief Judge Marsha Pechman said.
The ceremony ended with a reception for the families outside the courtroom
Lily Woods and guest Xavier Gatlin.
Chief Judge Pechman welcomes twins Biezawit and Seblewerk Enyew.
Laura, Lily and Aaron Woods at the welcoming ceremony for U.S. citizens.