MidHudson News is reporting new citizens took their oaths to become American citizens in two ceremonies held on June 11, in Poughkeepsie. Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall hosted both events held in the Dutchess County legislative chambers with State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as the keynote speaker. Both ceremonies included 23 new Americans from 17 countries who heard remarks from Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver before DiNapoli addressed the group.  The comptroller downplayed his appearance. “Your journey to becoming an American citizen is the keynote for today,” he said. DiNapoli noted that 22 percent of New York’s population are immigrants, accounting for 4.5 million residents, with the national average being much less at 13 percent. Dutchess County Court Judge Ed McLoughlin presided over the ceremonies and praised the new citizens for their efforts to become citizens. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.