Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Bowling Green, Kentucky hosted its 9th annual citizenship reception, honoring over 130 new citizens who achieved U.S. citizenship. The event, held by the Community Engagement Division, aimed to welcome and inform the newly naturalized citizens about municipal services. Attendees included local officials and new citizens who shared their inspiring stories, highlighting the diverse backgrounds represented at the celebration. The reception coincided with National Constitution Day, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in the community.
Bowling Green, Kentucky celebrated the 9th annual citizenship reception on September 23, 2025, honoring over 130 new citizens who completed their journey to gain U.S. citizenship. Each individual was presented with a certificate recognizing their significant achievement during the event hosted by the Bowling Green Community Engagement Division.
The reception aimed at welcoming the newly naturalized citizens, ensuring they feel informed and connected to municipal services. Leyda Becker, the Community Engagement Division Manager, highlighted the importance of supporting these individuals as they navigate life in their new country, especially given the challenges and sacrifices often encountered during the immigration process. Becker underscored the division’s commitment to connecting residents to essential city services, regardless of where they come from.
Approximately 140 individuals recently became naturalized citizens in Bowling Green, and elected officials, including Mayor Todd Alcott, city commissioners Dana Beasley-Brown and Carlos Bailey, as well as Police Chief Michael Delaney, were present to celebrate this milestone. Becker, a U.S. citizen since 2011, reflected on the dedication and responsibilities that come with citizenship.
The path to naturalization can be complex, requiring a series of steps such as a $760 application fee, background checks, a citizenship interview, and participation in an oath-taking ceremony. The diverse backgrounds of the new citizens were notable, as languages represented included Moroccan, Nepali, Rwandan, Dominican Republic, Mexican, Salvadoran, Nigerian, Congolese, Tanzanian, Bosnian, Burmese, Thai, Malaysian, and Jamaican.
During the event, attendees were also able to hear personal stories from new citizens, emphasizing their experiences and the welcoming environment in Bowling Green. Community members, such as Raymond Devos Irumva and Valery Garcia, shared their journeys and expressed their intentions to contribute positively to their new community.
The reception was timed to coincide with National Constitution Day, a day that celebrates U.S. citizenship. Attendees were encouraged to connect with local government representatives and engage with resources available to assist them in their new lives in the United States. The Community Engagement Division aims to ensure that every resident feels supported and informed about services available to them.
Key Features of the Event
- Event: 9th Annual Citizenship Reception
- Date: September 23, 2025
- Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- New Citizens Honored: Over 130
- Certified Recognition: Certificates awarded
- Languages Represented: Moroccan, Nepali, Rwandan, Dominican Republic, Mexican, Salvadoran, Nigerian, Congolese, Tanzanian, Bosnian, Burmese, Thai, Malaysian, Jamaican
- Key Attendees: Mayor Todd Alcott, city commissioners, Police Chief Michael Delaney
- Focus of the Division: Supporting new citizens with municipal services
FAQ
What was the event held in Bowling Green, Kentucky on September 23, 2025?
The event celebrated its 9th annual citizenship reception, welcoming over 130 new citizens who were honored for their journey to gain U.S. citizenship.
Who organized the citizenship reception?
The event was organized by the Bowling Green Community Engagement Division.
What did each new citizen receive at the reception?
Each new citizen received a certificate in recognition of their achievement.
Why is the citizenship reception significant?
The reception acknowledges the challenges faced during the immigration process and aims to make new citizens feel welcomed and informed about municipal services.
What is the naturalization process involved for new citizens?
The naturalization process can be lengthy and involves a $760 application fee, background checks, a citizenship interview, and an oath-taking ceremony.
What languages were represented among the new citizens?
The languages represented included Moroccan, Nepali, Rwandan, Dominican Republic, Mexican, Salvadoran, Nigerian, Congolese, Tanzanian, Bosnian, Burmese, Thai, Malaysian, and Jamaican.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Launches Downtown Ambassador Academy
Additional Resources
- WBKO: Community Engagement Division Provides Resources for New Citizens
- Wikipedia: U.S. naturalization process
- BG Daily News: Community Celebrates New Americans
- Google Search: Bowling Green Kentucky citizenship reception
- Kentucky.com: Education Article on Citizenship
- Google Scholar: Immigration Process USA
- WNKY: Deadline to Register for Reception for New Americans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Citizenship
- Tribeca Citizen: Landmarks Approves Status for The Red Room at One Wall
- Google News: City Services for New Citizens
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
