Approximately 200 people who became United States citizens were part of a naturalization ceremony, which served as the centerpiece of two days of performances and events April 3-4 as the University of Massachusetts Amherst hosts “Immigration, Citizenship and Belonging: Two Days of Discussion, Debate and Celebration.” U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, State Rep. Mindy Domb, UMass President Marty Meehan and UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy were on hand to witness the new citizens take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance in Bowker Auditorium at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4.

Following the ceremony, the university presented the “Our Immigrant Voices Project Exhibition at the Building Bridges Showcase,” at the Bromery Center for the Arts, and at 7:30 p.m. Felipe Salles, UMass professor of jazz and African American music studies, and his jazz ensemble will perform “The New Immigrant Experience: Music Inspired by Conversations with Dreamers” in Bowker Auditorium. The concert-length multimedia musical performance highlights interviews and footage of “Dreamers” – undocumented immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

 View photos from the event on Facebook.