As part of Constitution Week 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is welcoming more than 17,000 new U.S. citizens in 467 special naturalization ceremonies across the nation. USCIS welcomes new citizens during 2024 Constitution Week to celebrate the annual commemoration of both Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The ceremonies honor the pivotal role of the U.S. Constitution in establishing the legal framework for American citizenship and upholding the values of democracy. The USCIS, committed to inclusion and accessibility, sees Constitution Week as an opportunity to emphasize their ongoing efforts to promote naturalization and citizenship among immigrants across the United States.
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou reiterated the agency’s commitment to raising awareness about the benefits of U.S. citizenship, particularly during this celebratory week. USCIS welcomes new citizens during 2024 Constitution Week as a way to engage communities and promote the importance of citizenship. “We continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect,” Jaddou noted. The use of Constitution Week allows USCIS to highlight its progress in making the naturalization process accessible to all eligible applicants. Over the past year, USCIS has made notable strides, including reducing the naturalization backlog by 60%, lowering processing times to under six months, and introducing a more inclusive Form N-400, the official Application for Naturalization.
A Deeper Look at Constitution Week and Citizenship Day
USCIS celebrates Constitution Week every year to highlight the connection between U.S. citizenship and the Constitution, a fundamental document that underpins the rights and responsibilities of every American. For immigrants who choose to become U.S. citizens, this week has a profound significance. Through naturalization, new citizens pledge allegiance to the U.S., embracing the principles of liberty, justice, and equality.
The 2024 Constitution Week will include a landmark event on September 17 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where Director Jaddou will personally administer the Oath of Allegiance to new citizens. This ceremony, along with others, embodies the enduring importance of the U.S. Constitution, which not only establishes the rule of law but also provides a legal pathway for immigrants to integrate fully into American society.
To support new and prospective citizens, USCIS offers a range of resources, including study tools for the U.S. civics test, guidance on the naturalization process, and a mobile app, USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools. This app is an official resource, providing 100 potential civics test questions and answers, and offers practice tests to help applicants succeed. New citizens are encouraged to share their naturalization experiences online using the hashtags #NewUSCitizen, #ConstitutionWeek, and #WeThePeople.
The Importance of Citizenship in the U.S.
Becoming a U.S. citizen opens the door to a wealth of opportunities, including the right to vote, access to a U.S. passport, and eligibility for federal employment. USCIS welcomes new citizens during 2024 Constitution Week as part of its mission to encourage immigrants to embrace these opportunities. Through initiatives such as the USCIS Ambassador Program, the agency is working with immigrant community leaders to further encourage eligible immigrants to apply for citizenship. This initiative supports President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, which seeks to restore faith in the U.S. immigration system while strengthening integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans.
Citizenship Day, formally recognized in 1952 by President Truman, remains a cornerstone of these celebrations. It acknowledges not only the significance of citizenship but also the positive contributions immigrants make to American society. New citizens bring cultural diversity and innovation, helping to enrich their communities and invigorate the nation’s economy.
USCIS: A Year of Notable Accomplishments
During Constitution Week, USCIS also celebrates a year of significant achievements, which include:
- Decreasing the naturalization backlog by 60%.
- Returning naturalization processing times to under six months.
- Issuing a new edition of Form N-400 with inclusive features such as a third gender option and the ability to update Social Security details directly through the form.
- Clarifying guidance on confidentiality protections following naturalization.
- Issuing guidelines for children’s acquisition of citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Constitution Week?
Constitution Week is an annual celebration from September 14-23, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. It highlights the significance of citizenship in the United States and includes special naturalization ceremonies across the country.
2. How many new citizens will be naturalized during Constitution Week 2024?
USCIS will welcome more than 17,000 new U.S. citizens in over 467 naturalization ceremonies nationwide during the 2024 celebration.
3. What resources are available to help applicants prepare for the naturalization process?
USCIS offers study materials, including the USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools mobile app, which helps applicants prepare for the civics test. The app provides practice questions, games, and review tools for success in the naturalization interview.
4. What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens gain the right to vote, access to a U.S. passport, eligibility for federal jobs, and protection from deportation. Additionally, citizenship allows individuals to petition for family members to immigrate to the U.S.
5. How has USCIS improved the naturalization process in recent years?
USCIS has reduced the naturalization backlog by 60%, returned processing times to under six months, and introduced a more inclusive Form N-400. They have also enhanced resources for applicants, ensuring a smoother and more accessible naturalization process.
By promoting citizenship and celebrating Constitution Week, USCIS continues to make the American dream a reality for immigrants across the country, reinforcing the values that unite the nation