In celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, USCIS welcomes 21,000 new citizens in the U.S.

On September 17, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will be celebrating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by welcoming 21,000 new citizens in 335 naturalization ceremonies across the country between September 17 and September 23. 

Each year, USCIS celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by holding special naturalization ceremonies across the country and reflecting on what it means to be a U.S. citizen. The nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day during Constitution week, which began in 1955 by President Dwight Eisenhower and takes place September 17-23. The commemoration honors both the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and an observance that began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day.” Citizenship Day also began in 1952, based on a law signed by President Harry Truman. 

In welcoming the thousands of new U.S. citizens, USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou stated: “Citizenship Day and Constitution Day are special days at USCIS – an agency where many people come to work every day to help those at home and abroad realize the full meaning of U.S. citizenship. As we take time to reflect on what citizenship means to each of us, let us share in the commitment to invest fully in this country’s promise to be a place of hope and possibilities for all.”

As part of its efforts to support those who naturalize in the U.S., USCIS has reinstated the Outstanding Americans by Choice (ABC) initiative, which was paused in November 2017. The ABC initiative recognizes the significant achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship. In 2021, USCIS has already recognized Sandy Hoa Dang, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, and Immaculée Ilibagiza at Citizenship Day naturalization ceremonies. 

As Constitution week winds up, make sure you check out the World War I Memorial on September 23, where VA Secretary Denis McDonough and Felicia Escobar Carrillo, USCIS Chief of Staff will participate in a Citizenship and Constitution Day naturalization ceremony at World War I Memorial (Pershing Park), Washington, DC.

Berardi Immigration Law regularly helps individuals naturalize in the U.S. and provides an individualized approach for each client. If you are a lawful permanent resident and wish to become a U.S. citizen, be sure to contact Berardi Immigration Law to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!