NPS - National Park Service
07/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2024 10:49
US Citizens During Independence Day Celebration
News Release Date:
July 1, 2024
The new citizens' naturalization certificates contain personally identifiable information. We request that media outlets not publish/share photos of new citizens holding their certificates unless that information is blurred.
July 1, 2024
Contact:Pam Sanfilippo, 314-655-1634
Contact:Rachel Marshall, 314-660-2561
Citizenship candidates to take Oath during special ceremonies across the country ST. LOUIS - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and the National Park Service (NPS) will welcome 50 new citizens during a special naturalization ceremony Wednesday at Gateway Arch National Park. A U.S. District Court Judge will administer the Oath of Allegiance and Gateway Arch National Park Superintendent Jeremy Sweat will deliver welcoming remarks to the new citizens.The citizenship candidates originate from the following 28 countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Congo, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam.USCIS often participates in naturalization ceremonies at museums, schools, libraries and other notable locations to celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant's journey to citizenship and honor the commitment they have shown along the way. Ceremonies in honor of national holidays- like Independence Day- connect new citizens with our nation's past, while welcoming them as part of America's future.
This ceremony is part of USCIS' annual Independence Day celebration of our nation's 248th birthday and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. USCIS will welcome new U.S. citizens at Independence Day-themed naturalization ceremonies across the country.USCIS and NPS currently have a signed Memorandum of Understanding, first signed in 2006, that advances the meaning and stature of citizenship by building connections between new citizens and America's parks. Special venues not only make these events meaningful for those who have chosen to participate in American democracy and dedicated themselves to the country's future, but they also reflect the strength and spirit of the United States.USCIS encourages new citizens and guests to share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen.
| WHEN: | Wednesday, July 3 at 11 a.m. |
| WHERE: |
Gateway Arch National Park West Entrance Plaza St. Louis, MO 63102 |
| CONTACTS: |
USCIS Public Affairs Officer Charles Rodriguez [email protected] 312-504-5786
U.S. District Court Director of Civic Education
Gateway Arch National Park Museum Services & Interpretation Program Manager Pam Sanfilippo |
| NOTES: | Media attending the ceremony are requested to RSVP to any of the above contacts by close of business July 2. |