George & Barbara Bush Foundation Welcomes America’s Newest Citizens

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation was honored to host the Brazos County Naturalization Ceremony at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center, where 72 individuals representing 19 countries became citizens of the United States. Held in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the 85th Judicial District Court, the ceremony brought together family, friends, and community members to celebrate this meaningful milestone.

George & Barbara Bush Foundation CEO Alice Gonzalez Yates welcomed the group by reflecting on President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush’s views on citizenship:

“President and Mrs. Bush understood that new Americans play a special role in our country, one that has always been part of our story,” said Yates. “As President Bush said, ‘nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved the oceans—liberty-loving risk takers in search of an ideal.’ Today, you become part of that enduring American story and, in President Bush’s words, become ‘not just a link to America’s past, but also a bridge to America’s future.’ As you begin this next chapter of your own journey, I hope you will carry forward the spirit that brought you here—that love of liberty, that belief in opportunity, and that commitment to building a better future.”

The Oath of Allegiance was administered by the Honorable Kyle Hawthorne, Presiding Judge of the 85th Judicial District Court.

The ceremony was part of the More Perfect Presidential Centers Naturalization Ceremony Series, a nationwide initiative uniting 21 presidential centers across the country in support of America250, the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The George & Barbara Bush Foundation was proud to participate in this nationwide initiative celebrating citizenship, service, and the enduring promise of America.