U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services celebrated Independence Day by holding over 180 naturalization ceremonies from June 30 to July 7. More than 5,500 individuals have become new citizens. As an effort to reduce naturalization backlogs, USCIS welcomed 974,000 new U.S. citizens in 2022, and so far in 2023, 588,900 people have become new citizens.
The USCIS director Ur M. Jaddou said, “Promoting citizenship and making the naturalization process accessible to all who are eligible are a beautiful extension of many 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 begin their American journey.”
This summer, USCIS is emphasizing the significance of civics and citizenship through a series of events known as Civics Season, which commenced with a special ceremony on World Refugee Day and will conclude with the announcement of Fiscal Year 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grants award announcement. USCIS has planned various Independence Day activities, including special naturalization ceremonies at notable locations such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
