Citizenship Day and Constitution Day Celebration

by Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

It’s a special time for me and the entire workforce of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  As the federal agency responsible for naturalization and citizenship, USCIS has the privilege of welcoming America’s newest citizens.

As part of this annual commemoration celebrating citizenship, we highlight naturalization ceremonies across the country and recognize the significant contributions of immigrants who have chosen to become Americans.

In addition, we are proud to announce grants totaling $9 million for 42 organizations charged with expanding citizenship preparation services for permanent residents.

This funding will support immigrant-serving organizations across 27 states and the District of Columbia.  The program fosters civic integration and helps permanent residents prepare for successful citizenship.  More than 19,000 permanent residents have received assistance through this grant program since it began in October 2009.  The full list of this year’s recipients, along with a description of their programs, is available on our website.

Citizenship is important because it unites Americans – all races, ethnicities, beliefs, or countries of birth – under shared civic principles based on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.  Please join me in this opportunity to cherish the important rights and responsibilities we share together, as citizens of this great nation.

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