Outstanding Americans by Choice
The Outstanding Americans by Choice initiative recognizes the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens. Through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship, recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment to this country and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans.
USCIS will recognize naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country on a case-by-case basis.
Note: The following biographies have been provided by the ABC recipients.
2006
Born in India, Dr. Khator received her undergraduate degree in liberal arts from Kanpur University. Dr. Khator came to the United States at the age of eighteen. She earned her master's degree and doctorate from Purdue University in Political Science and Public Administration with particular training in environmental policy.
Born in Zambia, Africa, Dr. Kiran C. Patel is the son of Asian-Indian parents. After obtaining his diploma from Cambridge University and The University of London, Dr. Patel attended medical school at Gujarat University in India.
Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad was nominated Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Iraq by President Bush on April 5, 2005. He was sworn in on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 in Baghdad. Before serving as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Dr. Khalilzad served as Ambassador to Afghanistan from November 2003 until June 2005.
José Luis Betancourt serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the San Diego City Schools. Prior to beginning this assignment, he most recently served as the United States Navy’s Commander for the Southwest Region.
Fang A. Wong has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to his community as a member of senior leadership in the veterans organization, the American Legion. Mr. Wong was born in China and came to the United States in 1960. He entered the U.S. military in 1969 as an enlisted soldier.
Dr. Guillermo Linares serves as commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs for New York City. As commissioner, he works to ensure immigrants know how to access city services and meets with civic, religious, and business leaders to discuss the needs of immigrant communities.
Marina Belotserkovsky is currently director of Russian Communications and Community Outreach at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), where she is responsible for assisting over one million members of the Russian-speaking community in America.
Dr. Marion P. Primomo is a physician in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and a Professor in the Department of Family Practice at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).
Caitriona Lyons, a native of Ireland, began her work in the field of immigration many years ago and has extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Ms. Lyon's career in government began as an immigration specialist with the State of Texas and she is currently the coordinator of the Refugee Program within the Department of Human Services.
Gepsie M. Metellus is cofounder and executive director of Sant La, Haitian Neighborhood Center, a social service organization that serves the Haitian community of South Florida. Sant La seeks to provide information and referral services in the areas of social services, education, housing opportunities, economic self-sufficiency, and access to healthcare and legal services.