A Nigerian man, Felix Odeh, joined 48 other people from over 20 countries around the world to become latest US citizens in a naturalisation ceremony on Monday.
Former US President George W. Bush presided over the ceremony held in Dallas, Texas, at the George W. Bush Presidential Centre.
Mr Bush said that “amid all the complications of policy, may we never forget that immigration is a blessing and a strength.”
The former president added: “I’d like to point out that not only are you becoming an American, but as Laura mentioned, you’re a Texan. And if you walk out of here with a little extra attitude in your step, it shows the culture is taking hold.”
Without calling President Donald Trump by name for his harsh stance on immigration, Bush said “those responsible in Washington can dial down the rhetoric, put politics aside, and modernise our immigration laws soon.”
Former US first lady, Laura Bush, said Texas is a state that “thrives due to the prosperity, ingenuity, transformation and generosity of immigrants.”
