WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is set to mark Independence Day by extending a warm welcome to over 5,500 new citizens through more than 180 naturalization ceremonies scheduled between June 30 and July 7. These ceremonies underscore our commitment to embracing immigrants and advocating for the advantages of U.S. citizenship for all eligible individuals. In the fiscal year (FY) 2022, USCIS celebrated the naturalization of 974,000 new U.S. citizens. As of June 7 in FY 2023, USCIS has already welcomed 588,900 new U.S. citizens and has significantly reduced naturalization pending queues.
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou expressed, “Promoting citizenship and ensuring the accessibility of the naturalization process to all eligible individuals is a beautiful extension of the ideals that birthed our nation 247 years ago. This holiday is always a special opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the USCIS mission and to welcome new citizens as they embark on their American journey.”
Each July 4, the nation commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by the Second Continental Congress, signaling the birth of a new nation—the United States of America. USCIS honors this historic event by hosting special Independence Day-themed naturalization ceremonies throughout the country. These ceremonies pay tribute to the commitment and contributions of our newest U.S. citizens.
Throughout this summer, USCIS is emphasizing the significance of civics and citizenship with a series of events under the banner of Civics Season. This season commenced with a special ceremony on World Refugee Day and will conclude with the announcement of the Fiscal Year 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grants awards.
Independence Day activities for this year will feature special naturalization ceremonies nationwide, including notable locations such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Virginia, and the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. For additional venues, please refer to the list of highlighted 2023 Independence Day-themed ceremonies.
Leave a comment!