This year, the United States will celebrate the 242nd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and the nation’s birthday, by welcoming more than 14,000 new citizens in nearly 175 naturalisation ceremonies across the country.
The Independence Day activities kicked off yesterday with a naturalisation ceremony held at the Bexar County Courthouse in San Antonio, Texas. During this event, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Director L. Francis Cissna delivered congratulatory remarks to 37 new Americans.
“The naturalization ceremony marks the end of the journey toward citizenship, just as it marks the start of new lives as American citizens,” said Director Cissna. “We are humbled to be able to share in this moment of pride, joy, and personal triumph.”
The importance of the Declaration of Independence and Independence Day in the United States is reflected in several places on the naturalisation test which all potential new citizens must pass. Prospective citizens may see them in six different questions on the civics test, including, “What did the Declaration of Independence do?” and “When do we celebrate Independence Day?”
Independence Day themed citizenship ceremonies will be held throughout the country between 28th June and 10th July. Independence Day itself is on 4th July.
Article published 29th June 2018