Today, September 17th, our nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week. In this blog post we discuss the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) initiatives to integrate newcomers into U.S. society and include some of our tips and pointers for green card holders to be able to navigate the naturalization process successfully.

What is Constitution/Citizenship Day?

Today, we honor 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 began in 1952, signed into law by President Harry Truman and, in 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed the first Constitution Week.

USCIS Initiatives

• Naturalization Ceremonies. This year, USCIS will celebrate by welcoming more than 17,000 new citizens in over 400 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 14 and Sept. 23, reaffirming its commitment to promoting citizenship and making the naturalization process accessible to all who are eligible in this country.

• Decreasing years long backlogs. According to USCIS, they have decreased the naturalization backlog by 60 percent and returned to processing times under 6 months through various initiatives, including updating Form N-400 to seamlessly integrate the update in status with the SS Administration and providing a third gender option on the form.

• Outstanding Americans by Choice (ABC) initiative. Through the ABC Initiative, USCIS is raising awareness of the contributions naturalized citizens make to the United States. USCIS has recognized 10 outstanding naturalized Americans so far this year, including Celebrity Chef and Author, Lorena Garcia (Venezuela). Since the start of the initiative in 2006, USCIS has recognized 167 naturalized citizens for contributions to their community and adopted country, including Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella; President and CEO, Bread for the World, Rev. Eugene Cho; former Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela; and President of United Farm Workers - Keene, CA, Teresa Romero.

For more initiatives, read USCIS’ Stakeholder Message.

I’m a permanent resident and I’d like to apply for naturalization. What resources are out there?

To help applicants prepare to become U.S. citizens, USCIS provides study materials and resources, including an app, USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools, available in the Apple App and Google Play Store. You can also access a civics practice test and other resources on the Citizenship Resource Center.

Over the years, we have successfully assisted many immigrants obtain U.S. Citizenship through naturalization. We have compiled below some articles to help you prepare for your road to U.S. Citizenship:

• FAQ: What is Naturalization? What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship?

• Applying for Citizenship with a Criminal Record

• Impact of Extended Trips Abroad on Naturalization

• How can I prove my good moral character for naturalization? What can prevent a finding of good moral character?

• What happens at a naturalization interview? What should I expect at my citizenship interview appointment?

Click here for more articles about Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship.

We are so grateful to have been part of many immigrant success stories! If you’d like us to be a part of your immigration journey, please contact us. We are here to help! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tumblr, for up-to-date immigration news. Please note that past results do not guarantee future outcomes. 

RELATED CONTENT:

• FAQ: What happens at a Naturalization Oath Taking Ceremony?

• FAQ: How do I change my name on the N-400 Application for Naturalization?

• Can I naturalize after three years of permanent residence based on marriage to my U.S. citizen spouse?

Torregoza Legal PLLC is the law firm for immigrants, by immigrants. We are founded on the motto of LegalEase: we do away with the legal jargon and make law easy to understand, so you can focus on what’s important to you – going for your American Dream.
Contact us at (888) 445-7066 or info@legalease.us. We are also on social media and on Skype: @LegalEaseUS. || www.LegalEase.us
This website and blog constitute attorney advertising. Do not consider anything on this website or blog legal advice as the law is dynamic, particularly in the immigration field and nothing in this website constitutes an attorney-client relationship being formed. Set up a one-hour consultation with us before acting on anything you read here. Past results are no guarantee of future results and prior results do not imply or predict future results. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits.