Salt Lake County Hosts Proclamation Reading & Naturalization Ceremony to Celebrate Welcoming Week 2025

Salt Lake County, UT — As part of Welcoming Week 2025, Salt Lake County will host a Proclamation Reading and Naturalization Ceremony on Monday, September 15, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City.

The event will include the official reading of the Welcoming Week Proclamation, signed by Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and mayors across the valley, followed by a naturalization ceremony in which approximately 90 community members will take the Oath of Citizenship and become new U.S. citizens. A community resource fair and cultural performances will round out the celebration.

This ceremony is the signature event of Welcoming Week in Salt Lake County, which features activities across the valley that highlight belonging and community connection. Welcoming Week is organized locally by Joseph Genda, Salt Lake County's New American and Refugee Liaison, in partnership with community organizations and municipalities. 

WHEN: Monday, September 15, 2025, 10:00 am - Noon

WHERE: Utah Cultural Celebration Center
1355 W 3100 S, West Valley City, Utah 84119

Program Highlights & Speakers:

• Emcee: Sheila Srivastava, Salt Lake County Treasurer
  Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson - Opening remarks
  Salt Lake County Councilmember Carlos A. Moreno
  Welcoming Week Proclamation Reading by Magna Mayor Eric Barney
  Student Speaker - Utah International Charter School
  Samira Harnish, Founder & CEO, Women of the World
  Aden Batar, Director of Migration & Refugee Services, Catholic Community Services of Utah
  Esperanza Salvadoreña - Cultural performance
  Michael Crabtree, Field Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  Ivoni M. Nash, Program Director, National Tongan American Society

INFO: Welcoming Week is a global campaign that brings neighbors together to build stronger connections and affirm the values of connection and belonging. Salt Lake County's naturalization ceremony underscores the County's role as a place where all residents can thrive and feel at home.