U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is celebrating Independence Day this year by welcoming around 11,000 new citizens through more than 195 naturalization ceremonies from June 28 to July 5. These events highlight the government’s dedication to embracing immigrants and promoting U.S. citizenship for eligible individuals. In fiscal year 2023, USCIS welcomed 878,500 new citizens, and so far in FY 2024, it has added 589,400 new citizens, significantly reducing the backlog of naturalization applications.
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou expressed pride in administering the Oath of Allegiance during this period, emphasizing the diversity and character new citizens bring to the nation.
Every July 4, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 is celebrated, marking the birth of the United States of America. USCIS honors this historic day with special naturalization ceremonies worldwide, recognizing the commitment and contributions of new U.S. citizens.
This year’s festivities will include special ceremonies nationwide, including near the nation’s capital. Notable events include a ceremony at George Washington’s Mount Vernon with Deputy Assistant to the President Blas Nuñez-Neto, and other ceremonies at Battleship New Jersey, Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri, and Fort Clatsop, Lewis & Clark National Historic Park in Oregon. A full list of highlighted 2024 Independence Day-themed ceremonies is available for those interested.
USCIS continues to make naturalization accessible to all eligible individuals, supporting Executive Order 14012 aimed at restoring faith in legal immigration systems and strengthening integration efforts. This includes the Outstanding Americans by Choice initiative and $12.6 million in grants to immigrant-serving organizations, as well as the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy.
Support for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families remains a priority, with USCIS streamlining the naturalization process and offering specialized services such as a dedicated Military Help Line, fee waivers, and special handling of military naturalization applications.
New U.S. citizens are encouraged to share their naturalization stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen after each ceremony.
