Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Michael Frerichs Illinois Treasurer
    Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown Economy
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Civil Rights
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad News
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families Business
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat Democrat
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens Government
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Fire
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Features
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries Fire
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown Baby Boomers
  • Illinios Industrial Energy Consumers, information ad
    Get information on the Illinois Energy Omnibus Bill in Springfield Business
  • State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District.
    Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District News
  • Dad and daughter reunited Lebving Law firm photo
    Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation Dads' Rights
  • 11-03-25 OFPD Coffee living alone
    Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 Baby Boomers
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
Prominent Michigan accident attorney Joumana Kayrouz told new U.S. citizens during a federal government swearing-in service held Friday morning in the City of Westland that American citizenship is an important key that can unlock their family dreams. The new citizens received their citizenship oath from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at ceremonies co-hosted by the American Human Rights Council (AHRC) and the FBI at the Westland City Hall, 36300 Warren Road.

Kayrouz keynotes welcome speech for new U.S. citizens at Federal Immigration Ceremony

Posted on October 17, 2017September 25, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Kayrouz keynotes welcome speech for new U.S. citizens at Federal Immigration Ceremony
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Kayrouz keynotes welcome speech for new U.S. citizens at Federal Immigration Ceremony

Prominent Michigan accident attorney Joumana Kayrouz told new U.S. citizens during a federal government swearing-in service held Friday morning in the City of Westland that American citizenship is an important key that can unlock their family dreams. The new citizens received their citizenship oath from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at ceremonies co-hosted by the American Human Rights Council (AHRC) and the FBI at the Westland City Hall, 36300 Warren Road.

(Southfield, Michigan) — Prominent Michigan accident attorney Joumana Kayrouz told new U.S. citizens during a federal government swearing-in service held Friday morning in the City of Westland that American citizenship is an important key that can unlock their family dreams.

The new citizens received their citizenship oath from US Immigration Services Section Chief Nelson Larkins at ceremonies co-hosted by the American Human Rights Council (AHRC), the FBI, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Westland City Hall, 36300 Warren Road.

An immigrant from Lebanon who took her citizenship oath in the early 1990s, Kayrouz shared her story of how she went from a student at Yale and immigrant to one of the Midwest’s most successful legal authorities.

“American citizenship can give each of you a place in a society that welcomes you, supports you and comforts you like a family,” Kayrouz said noting America is more than just a nation of streets paved in opportunity.

Prominent Michigan accident attorney Joumana Kayrouz told new U.S. citizens during a federal government swearing-in service held Friday morning in the City of Westland that American citizenship is an important key that can unlock their family dreams. The new citizens received their citizenship oath from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at ceremonies co-hosted by the American Human Rights Council (AHRC) and the FBI at the Westland City Hall, 36300 Warren Road.

“As Americans, you become an integral part of a great society that respects your heritage, your culture and religious beliefs while giving you the chance to be unique.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios provided welcoming remarks, along with Westland Mayor Bill Wild, USCIS Immigration Services Walaa Najor, and AHRC Board President Dr. Opada Alzohalli. The new U.S. Citizens came from 20 different countries. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Douglas Pierce, and Yasmeen Suri sang the National Anthem. WXYZ TV News Anchor Andrea Isom served as the event emcee.

“You are joining an exclusive club in this world of people who enjoy unprecedented civil rights and freedoms.”

In her remarks to the new citizens, Kayrouz provided a passionate glimpse into her own life as an immigrant.

“I stood in your shoes and I waited a long time to get here,” Kayrouz told the new U.S. Citizens and a gathering of distinguished guests.

“You are standing here taking an oath because you wanted a better life. And you came to the right place. There is no better country on Earth period.”

Kayrouz emphasized how important it is to value their new home.

“No other country on Earth will provide you with the tremendous opportunities that this country will give you, especially in today’s world of inhumanity, war and fear of terrorism. It is a huge privilege. It is a prized possesion. Recognize it and value it,” Kayrouz told the gathering.

“In this country you can be anything you want to be. It doesn’t matter where you are from. It doesn’t matter who your parents are. It doesn’t matter how much money you came with. It doesn’t matter what your connections are. I am a living example of this. I came to this country 30 years ago with $1,000.”

Kayrouz advised the new U.S. Citizens, “The only thing standing between who you are today and who you want to be is you. It’s all up to you.”

She urged them to take their new citizenship seriously.

“If you are here, be here. Do not live half a life here. Do not give half of what you can here. Do not be present in body but not in heart and in mind. If you know more about your home country’s politics than you know about your new city, your new state or your new country’s politics, then you are not truly present. You are not engaged.”

In concluding her remarks, Kayrouz quoted from a poem by Khalil Gibran, who like Kayrouz immigrated to America from Lebanon: “Do not live half a life and do not die a half death … Do not dream half a dream. Do not fantasize about half hopes … Half a life is a life you didn’t live”

Kayrouz has received many honors and distinctions over the years both for her professional legal work and for her philanthropic endeavors.

In 2016 Kayrouz was named “Best Female Attorney” by the readers of Detroit Metro Times in the magazine’s annual survey.

She was named by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2014 as the “American Dreamer.” In 2012, she was named “Top Lawyer of the Year” in a survey of more than 18,000 Michigan lawyers.

Kayrouz is a popular guest speaker on the University circuit. In 2012, Kayrouz served as the national sponsor of the 50th Gala for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She is a frequently sought speaker on legal and motivational issues at universities around the world.

A thought leader in American politics, Kayrouz hosted fundraisers at her home for various local, statewide and national candidates including for US Congress and president. Kayrouz serves on the re-election campaign committees of several judges as well as supporting many judicial candidates.

As a leading champion for Lebanon, Kayrouz has hosted many Lebanese government officials in pursuit of her philanthropic work through the Joumana Kayrouz & Daughters Foundation which works to provide support to needy families in Lebanon.

For more information on Joumana Kayrouz, visit her website at: www.YourRights.com

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown - October 30, 2025
  • Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations - October 30, 2025
  • Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad - October 30, 2025
NPV: 104
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Editors Pick, National Tags:attorney, citizenship, Detroit, FBI, immigrants, Joumana Kayrouz, keynote speech, lawyer, prominent Michigan Accident Attorney

Post navigation

Previous Post: Bond set for crashing car in Aurora pond
Next Post: Milwaukee County identifies programs that could be cut

Related Posts

  • Illinois has 18 Congressional seats but is slated to lose one as a result of the state's population reduction, according to the 2020 Census Data released on Monday April 26, 2021. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Illinois will lose one congressional seat under new Census Chicago
  • US Marine Saluting. Photo courtesy of Jerry Field
    Send in the Civilians … The Marines need a little support General Topics
  • J.B. Pritzker from his campaign Facebook Page at UFCW union endorsement. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker activates 500 National Guard Troops for Capital Security at DOD request Government
  • Kal Lwanga, executive assistant to Cicero Town President Larry Dominick, served as the emcee of Cicero's 10th annual commemoration celebrating the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., held in Cicero on Thursday Jan. 11, 2018. Photo courtesy of the Town of Cicero.
    Cicero Commemorates Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday Events
  • Chicago Cubs feature food from top chefs at Wrigley Field. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs
    Chicago’s Top Chefs Head to Wrigley Field Editors Pick
  • Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan addressing the Oct. 21, 2018 candidate's forum hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club in suburban Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Anniversary of Arab American Recognition in Illinois Blogger

More Related Articles

The Orland Fire Protection District hosted its 22nd annual commemoration to honor and remember the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on Sept. 11, 2001 during a ceremony at the Fire District Orland Firefighters host commemoration to remember victims of Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Events
Examples of e-cigarettes and vapes that parents should be aware of. Photo courtesy of Sandburg High school in Orland Park Sandburg HS cracking down on e-Cigarettes and vapes Blogger
Lethal injection room, San Quentin Prison. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia CBS’ Gayle King should be fired and vicious murderers should be put to death Blogger
Lt. Bill Leddin instructs CERT trainees on how to properly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to make it possible to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District Orland Fire District to recognize CERT Graduates Tuesday Nov. 28 Editors Pick
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland U.S. District Court orders suburban Chicago company to stop distribution of adulterated and misbranded nutritional supplements Crime
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash Differences in how people react to homicides in Chicago vs a wealthy suburb Baby Boomers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
    October 17, 2025
  • Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show small
    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again
    October 11, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Michael Frerichs Illinois Treasurer
    Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown
    October 30, 2025
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations
    October 30, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad
    October 30, 2025
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families
    October 29, 2025
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat
    October 29, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme