For many, the recent 4th of July holiday meant a time to celebrate with family and friends over hot dogs and fireworks displays.  For another group of people, the weekend was a time to celebrate their new status as naturalized U.S. citizens.

Beginning July 1st, in more than 55 ceremonies across the nation, 3,800 individuals were sworn in as American citizens.  The ceremonies are part of a weeklong celebration, hosted by the USCIS, celebrating the theme, “A Spirit of Independence.”

Nine of the ceremonies were designated specifically for members of the U.S. armed forces and military spouses and were held in locations in Oklahoma, California and North Carolina as well as in Iraq, Korea, Germany and Honduras.  Special ceremonies were also held on Ellis Island in New York, NY, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, the Seattle Center in Seattle, WA, and the John F. Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, FL. 

For more information on naturalization ceremonies, visit the USCIS website.

You can also read more about naturalization in my article, Naturalization on the Rise: Practical Answers to Newer Practitioners’ Naturalization Questions – Part 1 and Part 2.