NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 28: Immigrants hold flags while waiting for a naturalization ceremony to become U.S. citizens at the district office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on January 28, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. Some 38,000 immigrants became U.S. citizens at the Newark office alone in 2012. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) (2013 Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Donald Trump's election loomed over a U.S. citizenship ceremony in San Antonio last week, as the judge presiding over the ceremony told attendants that if they don't like that Trump will be president, they should go to another country.
“I can assure you that whether you voted for him or you did not vote for him, if you are a citizen of the United States, he is your president,” Judge John Primomo said.
“He will be your president and if you do not like that, you need to go to another country.”
The room at the Institute of Texan Cultures Thursday night was a melting pot, a collection of hopeful faces now bound together under one flag.
The federal judge went on to criticize Americans protestors who carry signs saying ‘He’s not my president,’ including some in San Antonio. Primomo lashed out against NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem.
- Half a million U.S.-born kids live in Mexico with deported parents, trying to assimilate
- Mexico extradites American woman accused of killing ex’s new girlfriend
- Prominent Utah immigration activist accused of raping undocumented woman
- Suspect in Texas double homicide had been deported 3 times to Mexico
- Clinton campaign releases video of undocumented soldier who died in combat
- Mexico mourns the loss of beloved singer Juan Gabriel
- Police, soldiers swarm Mexico’s Acapulco, killings continue
- Feeling abandoned, relatives go looking for loved ones’ remains in Mexico
“I detest that, because you can protest things that happen in this country; you have every right to,” Judge Primomo said. “You don't do that by offending national symbols like the national anthem and the flag of the United States.”
Primomo later told KENS 5 that he meant his words to be unifying and respectful of the office of the president, not political. He said that he didn’t vote for Donald Trump.
The most hopeful speech of the day came from brand new Americans. “The essence of Americans is that you have the right to vote and choose [who] to represent you,” said Rafael Guerra, a new American born in Mexico.
In an election where women played such a pivotal role, Indian immigrant and new American Vharati Dharwadkar said that women have it better in the U.S. than in her native India.
"The freedom and the importance that ladies get in this country is independence,” Dharwadkar said. “She can freely say whatever she has to say. I feel free in this country compared to my country.”
For more Texas news go to Fox26Houston.com.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.