NCSML Welcomes 62 New U.S. Citizens

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library welcomed 62 new United States citizens and their families on Friday, March 20, at a naturalization ceremony. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after that person fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. The culmination of the naturalization process is the administration of the Oath of Citizenship. The 62 new U.S. citizens represented 25 countries, from Bhutan to Venezuela, and ranged in age from 19 to 73. "It is fitting that we are gathered here, surrounded by the stories, art and artifacts of our shared history," said Phillip Clouse, controller at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, during opening remarks. "As immigrants or children of immigrants we bring courage — the courage to leave the familiar, to sacrifice, and to build a new life in a nation that thrives on the promise of equality." Founded in 1974 by second- and third-generation descendants of Czech and Slovak immigrants, NCSML honors and celebrates immigrant contributions to the country. NCSML has hosted naturalization ceremonies at its current location since 2016 as a way to welcome new American citizens the same way Czechs and Slovaks were embraced by the Cedar Rapids community. In the Northern District of Iowa, approximately 600 petitioners take this oath in a formal ceremony each year. Visit www.iand.uscourts.gov/naturalization for a complete listing of 2026 naturalization ceremonies. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, celebrates life: Czech life, Slovak life, and American life. NCSML engages the global community with unique Czech, Slovak, and American stories to inspire individuals with themes of culture, freedom, democracy, and immigration. Through extraordinary exhibitions and experiences, NCSML tells stories of freedom and identity, family and community, human rights and dignity connecting yesterday with today and tomorrow. NCSML honors those who immigrated to America and worked hard, contributing their skills and vision to the formation of our nation. For more information, visit NCSML.org or call (319) 362-8500.