In a rare appearance, Melania Trump welcomes new citizens at a National Archives ceremony
In a rare public appearance, former first lady Melania Trump emphasized the importance of “guarding our freedom” and the responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship as she spoke Friday at a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives.
Born in Slovenia, Melania Trump is the only first lady who is also a naturalized American citizen. She talked about her path to that citizenship, starting with an employee visa when she arrived in New York City during her modeling career.
“How fortunate to be with the naturalizing individuals and their families as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance and become Americans before the founding documents of our great nation,” she said.
The location of the ceremony was remarkable. The national repository for presidential documents has been part of one of the criminal cases pending against her husband, former President Donald Trump, as he seeks a second term in the White House.
The National Archives sent a referral to the FBI stating that 15 boxes recovered from Trump's Florida home in January 2022 contained dozens of documents with classified markings, part of an investigation that has resulted in 37 cases of mishandling of classified documents, including withholding classified information and obstructing justice.
Trump's trial is expected to begin on May 20, 2024, despite efforts by his team to delay it until after next November's presidential election.
Friday's ceremony marked a rare appearance for the former first lady, who has said she supports her husband's campaign but has not yet been on the campaign trail as he seeks the 2024 GOP nomination.
She said Friday that becoming a U.S. citizen comes with great responsibility.
“It means actively participating in the democratic process and safeguarding our freedom,” she said. “It is a life-changing experience that takes time, determination and sometimes even enormous strength.”
In his latest campaign for the White House, Trump promised a return to tough immigration policies if he wins the 2024 election.
Among his proposals, Trump wants to revive and expand his controversial travel ban, which initially targeted seven Muslim-majority countries, begin a new “ideological screening” for all immigrants and end the constitutional right of birthright by first day in the country to sign an executive order. office. This would make only children with at least one U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent eligible for a passport, Social Security number and other benefits.
During Friday's ceremony, 25 people from 25 countries were sworn in as new U.S. citizens, surrounded by founding documents, including the Constitution.
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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP