AUGUST 15, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will emphasize the importance of voter registration and participation when she welcomes America's newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

The event is at 10 a.m. at Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE. Land will deliver remarks to approximately 300 new Americans who are taking their citizenship oaths.

"This is an exciting milestone for our new countrymen," Land said. "They worked hard to get to this point and I congratulate them for making their dreams come true. But their journeys don't stop here. They can contribute to America's greatness by exercising their right to vote. It's important for our democracy that all voices be heard."

Land, who also serves as Michigan's chief election officer, will have a voter registration table on site for the convenience of the newly sworn citizens.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is conducting the ceremony.