US President Joe Biden has made reference to his Irish roots during a naturalisation ceremony at the White House.
Mr Biden hosted the event to welcome 21 newly sworn-in citizens to the US as part of the July 4 celebrations.
Speaking to those gathered, President Biden, who has links in both Co Mayo and Co Louth, recalled the story of his own ancestors.
"At least two-thirds of them got on a coffin ship in the Irish Sea back in 1849 having no idea if they'd make it across the Atlantic to the United States but certain if they did, they could do better, and they did," he said.
"They believed, like you believe, that anything is possible and I want to thank you for choosing the United States."
President Biden also made reference to immigration reform, saying that the current system needed to be fixed.
"I've kept my commitment by sending an immigration reform bill to the US Congress that includes smart border management and security and a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented people," he said.
He added that he could think of no better way of celebrating Independence Day than by inviting new citizens to the White House.
"It's the people's house that, I might add, was designed by an Irish man in a nation shaped by the immigrant's heart."
