WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is celebrating Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in naturalization ceremonies throughout the country. These ceremonies demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the naturalization process promotes a unified American identity and allegiance to the Constitution, laws, and founding principles of the United States.
“USCIS is proud to welcome new citizens who made the right choice to lawfully immigrate, assimilate, and contribute to America’s greatness. Taking the Oath of Allegiance and embracing U.S. citizenship is a remarkable act of patriotism,” said USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “During this time, we must also recognize the Trump administration’s successful termination of the Biden-era CHNV and Temporary Protected Status programs—programs that poured in millions of unvetted illegal aliens into our country, made a mockery of our immigration system, and undermined the lawful immigration process. With this stark contrast, it’s clear we are delivering on the promise to restore integrity to our immigration system, make America safe again, and welcome those who respect and follow our laws.”
Every July 4, USCIS celebrates the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, declaring the 13 colonies free of tyranny and establishing a new nation. USCIS proudly honors America’s birthday with a longstanding tradition of welcoming new citizens in special Independence Day-themed naturalization ceremonies for those who have lawfully earned the privilege of citizenship.
This year’s Independence Day activities include naturalization ceremonies across the country and the newly released Welcome message from President’s Donald J. Trump video. On July 4, USCIS Chief of Staff Aaron Calkins will call the countries and present the candidates to DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, who will administer the Oath of Allegiance and deliver congratulatory remarks to 100 new Americans at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Nearby at Fort Monroe National Monument, the Honorable Glenn A. Youngkin, governor of Virginia and the Honorable Jason S. Miyares, attorney general of Virginia, will deliver remarks at another naturalization ceremony. Additional Independence Day ceremonies will be held across the country, including Saguaro National Park in Arizona, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Texas, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Virginia.
USCIS is committed to safeguarding the American people, securing our homeland, upholding our values, and ensuring only aliens who meet all eligibility requirements and are of good moral character receive the priceless and profound gift of citizenship. Lawful permanent residents eligible for naturalization go through a comprehensive, multi-step process, including rigorous vetting and passing English and civics tests, to become U.S. citizens. To help eligible lawful permanent residents prepare for U.S. citizenship, study materials and resources are available on the Citizenship Resource Center.
After each naturalization ceremony, USCIS encourages new U.S. citizens to share their naturalization stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen.
