With Veterans Day nearly upon us, USCIS has announced that it will be hosting several Veterans Day-themed naturalization ceremonies across the nation, exclusive to veterans, service members, and military spouses looking to become U.S. citizens. Over 3,900 naturalization candidates composed of U.S. military, veterans, and their families will take the Oath of Allegiance in 50 specialized ceremonies. These themed events are intended to honor the service of these citizenship candidates and will highlight USCIS’ commitment to providing immigration services to members of the military.
USCIS has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to offer naturalization services to service members and their families who are looking to become U.S. citizens. In December 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS began offering video interviews for eligible military members and their qualifying family members stationed overseas. This was followed by a March 2021 effort that saw USCIS begin administrating the Oath of Allegiance via video for overseas service members and their families. Since these implementations, over 2,000 interviews and over 1,700 Oath Ceremonies have been administered by video for U.S. service members overseas. USCIS has also teamed up with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to spread awareness on the benefits of U.S. citizenship to noncitizen Veterans and their family members who are eligible to naturalize but have not yet made strides to do so.
As part of the events, USCIS will recognize retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Stephen Michael as an Outstanding American by Choice at a naturalization ceremony taking place at the Smithsonian Museum of American History on November 10. Through this initiative, USCIS recognizes the accomplishments of naturalized U.S. citizens who have demonstrated their commitment to the U.S. and to the common civic values that unite Americans. Additional specialized naturalization ceremonies planned in commemoration of Veterans Day will take place nationwide and will be featured during the L.A. Rams game at SoFi Stadium on November 13.
