06/29/2009 USCIS to Welcome 6,000 New Citizens During Fourth of July Celebrations

[Immigration Office]

USCIS to Welcome 6,000 New Citizens During Fourth of July Celebrations


WASHINGTON––U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will commemorate America’s 233rd birthday by naturalizing more than 6,000 citizenship candidates in approximately 50 special ceremonies held across the United States and overseas. Five of these ceremonies are for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“There is no more important role we have as an agency than to welcome new citizens during naturalization ceremonies throughout the year,” said USCIS Acting Deputy Director Michael Aytes. “But on the Fourth of July, that role is even more profound as we proudly stand side-by-side with the newest Americans to celebrate our independence together as one family.”
This year, USCIS’ weeklong celebration of citizenship is highlighted by various special events, including ceremonies on July 1 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium for approximately 800 candidates and on July 3 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., for approximately 1,000 candidates.
Special ceremonies will also be held July 4th at: Liberty Island, N.Y., for seven military service members; George Washington’s Home in Mt. Vernon, Va., for approximately 100 candidates; and the St. Louis Historical Old Courthouse in the shadow of the Gateway Arch for approximately 60 candidates.
Also on Independence Day, more than 500 servicemembers will take the Oath of Allegiance at four all-military ceremonies in Baghdad, Iraq; Norfolk, Va.; Camp Lejeune, N.C.; and Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev.