Durbin Welcomes 26 New Citizens At Springfield’s Old State Capitol

November 06, 2026 Durbin Welcomes 26 New Citizens At Springfield’s Old State Capitol SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today celebrated the naturalization of 26 new citizens from 11 countries at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. The Honorable Colleen Lawless, United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, and the Honorable Douglas J. Quivey, United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of Illinois, presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens. Durbin’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: “ To all of you who are about to take the oath of citizenship, it is an honor to be one of the first to say to you: Hello, my fellow Americans! I also want to acknowledge your family members and friends who are here to celebrate this happy day with you. I would like to thank Judge Lawless and Judge Quivey for their role presiding over this ceremony and for inviting me to join you. “ It is a unique privilege to welcome you all as new citizens here at the Old State Capitol—a building that holds a special place in our state, and our nation’s, history. It was here where Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois General Assembly and accepted the nomination to run for Senate against Stephen A. Douglas. Upon becoming the Republican nominee, Lincoln delivered one of his most famous speeches, where he warned our nation struggling with the moral ramifications of slavery that ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ “One hundred and fifty years after Lincoln’s prescient remarks, another future president came to speak at the Old State Capitol—Barack Obama. He came to this building to announce his run for presidency, he came here to continue the work that Lincoln began 150 years before him; to bring our nation closer to the vision our founders had when they wrote the Declaration of Independence. They dreamed of a nation where all men are created equal—where each and every one of them is endowed with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When Obama announced his candidacy, he said ‘Each and every time, a new generation has risen up and done what's needed to be done. Today we are called once more.’ As the newest citizens of the United States of America, it is now your turn to answer the call. “The blessing of citizenship is one that comes with responsibilities. As new citizens, you now assume the same patriotic burden placed upon all our shoulders. You must defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic, uphold our laws, contribute to your communities, and preserve the promise of America for those who will come after you. “I have the utmost faith in this fine group of Americans, that you all will rise to that challenge, just as the millions of immigrants who have come before you have done. This mission is especially important today, as the Trump Administration relentlessly belittles and attacks the immigrants that make our nation great. “Even naturalization ceremonies like the one we are holding today have been scaled back and delayed under this Administration, and many would-be citizens have been left in limbo. Let me be clear: these attacks have no place in America. We are a nation of immigrants—they have made us stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient. You are the newest members of that noble tradition. And we thank you for your courage, your faith in America, and for all the hard work and perseverance that has brought you here today. “The story of America is the story of immigrants—together you will write its next chapter. You came here as citizens of 11 nations. You will leave here as citizens of one nation: the United States of America. And this nation—your nation—welcomes you gladly. Congratulations on your tremendous achievement.” Photos of the naturalization ceremony are available here . -30- Print Email Share Tweet