United States Courts

The nation celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 16, 2016. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered congratulatory remarks to those naturalized at Ellis Island. Her message was webcast by the U.S. Courts as part of their coverage of ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial and Ellis Island, which were hosted by the National Park Service and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Associate Justice Sotomayor discussed the U.S. Constitution, her family's migration from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, the challenges of becoming U.S. citizens, and the rewards and responsibilities that come with citizenship, including voting, volunteering, and jury duty. She urged the new citizens to embrace the American culture, but not abandon their native cultures, as diversity is America's greatest strength. Show less