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International Institute of Rhode Island's mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people. Read more

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Please Join IIRI as we celebrate citizenship Day at the 88th Annual meeting of the board of directors

Please join IIRI on Citizenship Day, Thursday, September 17th to celebrate as 25 people achieve the American Dream and become citizens of the United States.

What: Citizenship Day Oath Ceremony and IIRI 88th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors

When: Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Where: International Institute Rhode Island
645 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island
Free parking is available

Becoming a U.S. Citizen requires diligence, dedication, and patience. Applicants must file for Naturalization and processing may take up to two years. Each applicant must be interviewed by a local U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services office, and pass a rigorous Citizenship Exam. The final step is the Oath Ceremony where new citizens come together to pledge their allegiance to the U.S.

Citizenship Day was established on February 29, 1952 by President Harry S. Truman who signed a bill declaring September 17 as Citizenship Day. It is a day to recognize and honor citizens. It is also the same day in which the U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787.

IIRI will have its 88th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors directly following the ceremony. The meeting will highlight the accomplishments of the past year, honor key volunteers and give IIRI's many supporters the opportunity to hear from its leadership about challenges and goals for the upcoming year. New and continuing Directors will be elected at the meeting. It will be followed by a reception with light hors d'oeuvres.

Recipients of IIRI's Annual Awards are:

The Nelly Ayvasian Award for Volunteer Service will be presented this year to Virginia da Mota for her long-time support of and commitment to IIRI.

The Corporate Leadership Award will be presented to
John Warren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Washington Trust Company, for his role as co-chair of the 23rd Annual Spring Carnival Ball.

The Community Leadership Award will be presented to
Socorro Gomez-Potter, who has provided volunteer service to countless new refugee children at The Newcomer Academy.

The Immigrant Champion Award will be presented to Roberto Gonzalez for his exemplary work with the immigrant community.

The Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon’s program will be physician and community activist and leader
Dr. Pablo Rodriguez.

For more information please contact Sarah Parrott at sparrott@iiri.org or 401.784.8634.

Can you pass the U.S. Citizenship Exam?

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. Citizens?

Name one right only for U.S. Citizens.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

What is one important thing Abraham Lincoln did?

Find the answers to these questions and view the 100 Question Civics test.