U.S. to Naturalize 11,000 New Citizens This Independence Day

U.S. to Naturalize 11,000 New Citizens This Independence Day

The United States will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming thousands of new citizens. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will grant citizenship to 11,000 immigrants through more than 195 naturalization ceremonies held across the country between June 28 and July 5.

USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou highlighted the significance of this occasion, stating, “At USCIS, we are privileged to administer the Oath of Allegiance to thousands of new citizens during the Independence Day holiday. These new citizens add diversity and character to our great nation, and we are committed to helping all who are eligible to experience the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as U.S. citizens.”

In fiscal year 2023, USCIS welcomed 878,500 new citizens. So far in fiscal year 2024, 589,400 immigrants have been naturalized, reflecting the agency’s ongoing efforts to streamline the naturalization process.

Independence Day Ceremonies

Independence Day, observed on July 4, marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. USCIS celebrates this historic event by hosting special naturalization ceremonies at significant locations across the country. This year’s ceremonies include:

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon
• Battleship New Jersey
• Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri
• Fort Clatsop, Lewis & Clark National Historic Park in Oregon

These venues emphasize the historical and cultural importance of the naturalization process and honor the commitment of new citizens to the United States.

Efforts to Make Naturalization Accessible

In alignment with President Biden’s commitment to making naturalization more accessible, a recent executive order will grant temporary legal status and a potential path to citizenship for approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support immigrants and promote their integration into American society.

The Independence Day naturalization ceremonies are a testament to USCIS’s commitment to welcoming new citizens and celebrating the diversity they bring to the United States. As the nation commemorates its independence, these ceremonies serve as a reminder of the important contributions that new citizens make to the fabric of American society. 

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