US Citizenship Ceremony
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United States naturalization ceremony, also commonly referred to as a
citizenship ceremony, represents the final step in the process of becoming a
naturalized, United States citizen. Citizenship ceremonies vary depending upon factors such as location and
sponsorships. Guest speakers may include representatives from local immigrant
organizations, city and state officials, or individuals who are about to be
sworn in as new citizens. Depending upon spatial allowances, members of the
general public are invited to attend the ceremony. Attendees are usually given
“new citizen” packets, which include literature regarding
citizenship
responsibilities, a copy of the US Constitution, voter registration
notification and a miniature American flag.
Overall, citizenship ceremonies serve to:
- Welcome new citizens to the United States
- Provide an introduction to the US justice system
- Provide information regarding the naturalization process and the importance of citizenship
- Offer a forum for celebration for new citizens
US citizenship ceremonies generally last 1.5 hours and include the following sequential events:
- A representative from the INS requests a "Motion for Admission of Applicants for Naturalization,” and the judge presiding over the ceremony affirms the motion.
- The judge administers the Oath of Allegiance, as discussed in greater detail below.
- The group recites the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag.
- Several speakers may offer congratulations to the new citizens, and discuss the important implications and responsibilities of citizenship.
- At the conclusion of the naturalization or citizenship ceremony, a list of countries that the new citizens emigrated from may be read to the audience. While the countries are being named, every new citizen from that country is asked to stand.
- Local community artists may perform to provide entertainment.
- To allow for socialization and celebration, a post ceremonial reception is usually held.
United States citizenship ceremonies include an oath to be taken by all potential new citizens. The “United States Oath of Citizenship” is also officially referred to as the "Oath of Allegiance” and is as follows:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or
citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on
behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian
direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
Depending on one’s religious beliefs, individuals may say the oath without the words “that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law,” and “that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law,” provided prior approval is obtained.
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