Outstanding Americans by Choice

Image of an American by Choice Certificate

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

The Honorable Jose E. Martinez U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida Miami, Florida

Jose E. Martinez was confirmed as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida on September 13, 2002. Judge Martinez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez U.S. Secretary of Commerce Washington, District of Columbia

Carlos M. Gutierrez is the 35th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. He was sworn into office on February 7, 2005. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1953, Secretary Gutierrez came to the United States with his family in 1960.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón President, Miami Dade College Miami, Florida

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón is president of Miami Dade College, the nation's largest institution of higher education. He serves as chief administrative and academic officer, responsible for the affairs of six campuses and several outreach centers enrolling over 163,000 students.

Collage of images to make a representation of the Statue of Liberty with the text No Photo Available.

John F. Timoney Chief of Police, Miami Police Department Miami, Florida

John F. Timoney was appointed Chief of Police of the Miami Police Department in 2003, after serving one year as Chief Executive Officer of an international private investigation and security company in New York City.

The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen U.S. House of Representatives (FL-18) Miami, Florida

A childhood refugee from Cuba, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has emerged as a powerful voice in her South Florida community. Ros-Lehtinen served in the Florida House of Representatives and in the Florida Senate before her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1989.

Clementine M. Msengi Founder and Executive Director, Bright Move Network Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa

Clementine M. Msengi first arrived in the United States in 1995 as a refugee from Rwanda. After completion of an intensive English course, Ms. Msengi enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Honorable Thomas Peter Lantos U.S. House of Representatives (CA-12) San Mateo, California

Thomas Peter Lantos has served as a Member of the U.S. Congress since January 3, 1981 and is the only holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress.

Anne M. O'Callaghan Executive Director, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Anne M. O'Callaghan is the executive director of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians. She has been heavily involved in assisting immigrants in the United States for over three decades.

The Honorable Melquíades "Mel" Rafael Martínez U.S. Senate (Florida) Orlando, Florida

Melquíades "Mel" Rafael Martínez was sworn in as Florida's thirty-third senator on January 4, 2005. Upon taking office, he became the first Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

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Outstanding Americans by Choice

2006