What does an American look like?

These portraits were made during a naturalization ceremony at Stratford Hall, the boyhood home of Founding Fathers Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. The newly sworn citizens had come from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, yet each had taken the Oath of Allegiance and become part of the continuing American story.

Becoming a United States citizen requires meeting numerous legal requirements, including demonstrating good moral character, taking the Oath of Allegiance, and passing a civics examination covering American history, government, and democratic principles.

Among the one hundred possible questions are:

1. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
2. What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens?
3. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
4. What are the two longest rivers in the United States?
5. Who was President during World War I?

The portraits invite viewers to look beyond familiar assumptions about nationality and identity. Rather than emphasizing where these individuals came from, the photographs focus on the shared moment in which they chose to become Americans.

Many of the new citizens had studied American history, government, and democratic principles more recently — and perhaps more thoroughly — than many Americans by birth. The series asks viewers to reconsider what patriotism, citizenship, and national identity look like in contemporary America.

All photographs are available for exhibition and purchase. Contact Xiomaro