WASHINGTON– U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day by welcoming more than 6,900 new U.S. citizens at more than 130 naturalization ceremonies across the country September 18-22.
“USCIS will continue to work in communities to raise citizenship awareness, consistent with our mission to uphold America’s promise as a nation of hospitality and opportunity with justice, integrity and respect,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “We believe that promoting citizenship and encouraging eligible immigrants to naturalize and fully participate in our democracy is a cornerstone of the agency’s work and upholds the spirit of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by focusing on the rights, responsibilities and meaning of citizenship clarified.”
On September 17, the country celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week (September 17-23). The commemoration honors both the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787 and a celebration that began in 1940 as “I Am an American” Day. Citizenship Day began in 1952 when it was signed into law by President Harry Truman, and in 1955 President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed the Constitution’s first week.
Each year, USCIS celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (and Constitution Week) by celebrating the connection between the Constitution and citizenship, reflecting on what it means to be a citizen of the United States, and special naturalization ceremonies throughout country. The Constitution plays an important role in the lives of all Americans, but especially those who are Americans by choice. The Constitution not only establishes the rule of law, but also creates the framework for an immigration system that allows immigrants to become citizens.
Eligible legal permanent residents go through a comprehensive, multi-step process to become U.S. citizens. The final step in the naturalization process is the most important: the oath of allegiance.
As part of Constitution Week, USCIS will highlight naturalization ceremonies taking place between September 18th and 22nd. After each naturalization ceremony, we encourage new U.S. citizens and their families and friends to share their naturalization photos on social media using the hashtags #NewUSCitizen, #ConstitutionWeek and #WeThePeople.
In addition to more than 130 ceremonies across the country, USCIS will also highlight several initiatives during Constitution Week, including the Citizenship Ambassadors Initiative.
Launched in July 2022, the Citizenship Ambassadors Initiative works with community leaders to promote citizenship in their local communities. Thanks to the efforts of these ambassadors, USCIS has been able to expand its reach and facilitate the naturalization of thousands of people in locations across the country. Learn more about what the Citizenship Ambassador Initiative means to two current ambassadors: Pao Yang (Fresno, CA) and Luis Shephard (Boston, MA). For more information about the initiative and introductions from all of our ambassadors, please visit the USCIS Citizenship Ambassadors page.
USCIS reiterates its commitment to promoting citizenship and making the naturalization process accessible to all eligible individuals. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have taken several steps to support the implementation of Executive Order 14012: restoring confidence in our legal immigration systems and strengthening integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans.
- On March 22, 2023, USCIS released guidance stating that only applicants for naturalization under Section 328 or Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) who are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States should submit Form N-426, Review of, should submit Application for Certification of Military or Naval Service (PDF, 306.48 KB), along with your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- On April 4, USCIS released “Locations for Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies” (PDF, 313.16 KB) to clarify the types of locations USCIS may use for administrative naturalization ceremonies and considerations for accepting offers to donate the facilities.
- On April 21, USCIS released Guidance on Citizenship for Adopted Children (PDF, 328.68 KB) to clarify how citizenship and naturalization requirements apply to adopted children.
- On August 24, 2023, USCIS released Guidance on Access to Voter Registration Services During Naturalization Ceremonies (PDF, 318.85 KB) to raise awareness and expand access to voter registration during naturalization ceremonies.
For more information about USCIS Constitution Day and Citizenship Day activities, see the USCIS Celebrate Citizenship Day 2023 fact sheet.
