Previous Story
Nearly 7,500 new citizens are welcomed
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services celebrates the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States by welcoming almost 7,500 new citizens in nearly 110 naturalization ceremonies between July 1 and July 5. The ceremonies will be held in venues across the country, and include several notable ceremonies.
Acting USCIS director Ken Cuccinelli will administered the oath of allegiance and delivered congratulatory remarks to 52 new Americans at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum last July 2 in New York City, while that same day, USCIS deputy director Mark Koumans delivered congratulatory remarks to new citizens at a ceremony on board the USS Constitution in Boston.
On July 4, Cuccinelli administered the oath of allegiance at a special ceremony at the National Archives Museum, where the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are housed.
Each year, USCIS marks Independence Day with naturalization ceremonies.
“It is an honor for me to welcome these new United States citizens as we celebrate the 243rd birthday of our nation,” said Cuccinelli. “To host a significant event such as a naturalization ceremony on the grounds where the Twin Towers once stood is a vivid reminder of the resiliency of our nation and of why so many people around the world make sacrifices each day in order to call the United States their new home.”
USCIS is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of citizenship by offering a variety of free citizenship preparation resources for applicants and teachers, including materials like the Establishing Independence lesson plan in the Citizenship Resource Center. Immigrant-serving organizations can register to receive a free Civics and Citizenship Toolkit to help lawful permanent residents prepare for naturalization.
Naturalization is the most significant benefit USCIS offers. (PR)
