Indian American Frank Islam addresses newly naturalized citizens at JFK Library

Be “21^st Century citizens,” the Washington-area entrepreneur and philanthropist urges new citizens.

Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam Thursday urged 200 newly naturalized Americans to be “21^st Century citizens” by being informed, independent and involved in issues that affect them.

Delivering keynote address at the Naturalization Oath Ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, November 30, the Potomoc, MD, resident pointed out that “a nation is no better than its citizens.”

Islam, the CEO of FI Investment Group, said: “In fact, the citizens are the nation – whether it’s a farmer, a factory worker, an entrepreneur, a teacher, an immigrant, a politician, we are all citizens and how we assemble ourselves and what we accomplish defines the fabric, psyche and soul of the country.”

The naturalization ceremony was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It was presided over by Allison Burroughs, federal judge for the US District Court, District of Massachusetts.

The event was part of the year-long celebration of Kennedy’s 100th birthday, which fell on May 29, 2017.

The Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, -born Islam, who became a US citizen in 1980, shared his story with the new naturalized Americans. The businessman and philanthropist came to the United States to study at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

After his graduation, he worked for a couple of IT companies before starting his own business in 1994 by mortgaging his home. When he exited from that company, QSS Group, roughly 13 years later, it was worth more than $300 million.

“I am a recipient of America’s kindness and generosity,” Islam said. “My story reaffirms the notion that America is a land of opportunity. My story also shows that America is a nation of inclusion, openness, opportunity, democracy, and freedom. All of us can proudly and truly embrace these values and qualities of America.”

Islam said each new citizen has his or her own story “of grit and determination,” which “are not just our stories.” He added: “They are actually the American story.”

The Kennedy Library presented the new citizens with a commemorative edition of the inaugural address of the 35^th President of the United States.