Mt. RushmoreOn Aug. 25, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service by welcoming 450 new U.S. citizens during 16 naturalization ceremonies at national parks across the country.

These ceremonies represent the partnership between USCIS and the National Park Service (NPS) and the goal of holding at least 100 naturalization ceremonies in national parks throughout this centennial year.

“As we celebrate the 100th birthday of our National Park Service on August 25, 450 new Americans will also celebrate the fulfillment of their dreams of citizenship at some of our nation’s most historic sites,” said USCIS Director León Rodríguez. “At USCIS, we believe that being an American means understanding and honoring our history and the places the National Park Service is charged to protect. We look forward to continuing to welcome new U.S. citizens and protecting ‘America’s Best Idea’ for the next 100 years.”

National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis added, “National parks tell the stories of notable people, great achievements and monumental events that shaped our nation, our government and our society. These magnificent places belong to all Americans and we invite everyone, especially our newest citizens, to Find Your Park.”

Since the launch of the partnership between USCIS and NPS in 2006, NPS has hosted naturalization ceremonies for thousands of new Americans at sites such as the rim of the Grand Canyon, on the Civil War battlefield at Vicksburg National Military Park, the base of Mount Rushmore, Ellis Island and at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 

National parks also provide an ideal setting for learning more about the United States and its history. Prospective citizens studying for the naturalization test can find answers to questions such as “Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?” and “Name one problem that led to the Civil War” by visiting a national park.

Activities for the celebration on Aug. 25 will feature naturalization ceremonies at Grand Canyon National Park, the World War II Memorial, and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

To view a complete list of naturalization ceremonies held in units of the National Park Service, please visit uscis.gov/news.

If you are interested in naturalizing, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!