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21 Refugees In Albuquerque To Become US Citizens

Nearly two dozen refugees are scheduled to become U.S. citizens at a special ceremony in Albuquerque.

Twenty-three immigrants, including 21 refugees, are slated to be naturalized Saturday as part of a "World Refugee Day" celebration at the Cesar Chavez Community Center.

Amanda Michelle Orta, of Catholic Charities Center for Refugee Settlement & Support, says these candidates for citizenship come from all over the world, including Iran, China, Nepal and Rwanda.

Following the ceremony, advocates will host a "World Refugee Day" celebration aimed at honoring the contribution of refugees in New Mexico and giving residents a chance to learn more about various programs.

Orta says the plight of refugees is gaining more attention recently because of Central American migrant children along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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