Celebrating Citizenship Day: Honoring Our Diverse Community in Philadelphia

Every year on September 17th, we celebrate Citizenship Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of citizenship and honoring those who have chosen to become U.S. citizens. At the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs, we believe this day is not just about celebrating new citizens but also about acknowledging the rich diversity and contributions of all immigrants in our community.

Citizenship Day, also known as Constitution Day, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and celebrates all who have attained American citizenship. This day serves as a reminder of the rights and responsibilities that come with being a citizen and the vital role immigrants play in shaping our nation. Philadelphia has a long history of welcomingimmigrants from around the world. Our city thrives on the cultural, economic, and social contributions of its diverse population. The Office of Immigrant Affairs has a desire for all immigrants to feel valued and supported as they navigate their path to citizenship and therefore promotes local citizenship programs led by the Philadelphia Citizenship Action Network (PCAN) and other partners.

This year, Citizenship Day holds a special place in my heart as I recently had my own naturalizationinterview on August 2nd. I studied very hard using various resources to prepare for the civics exam. Little did I know, I would get scheduled for my oath ceremony on September 17th, which coincidentally happens to be Citizenship Day! This experience has deepened my appreciation for the process and the significance of undergoing the naturalization interview.

To mark Citizenship Day, we are celebrating Welcoming Week, which falls during the same month as Citizenship Day. Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that takes place from September 13th through September 27th. It provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to showcase their values through events and initiatives that build connections and collaboration between immigrants and non-immigrants. It honors the contributions made by foreign-born individuals and recognizes the strong, prosperous ties that a welcoming environment can create. This nationally recognized event welcomes organizations and communities to build bridges and foster connections that coincide with the mission of welcoming and inclusive practices to achieve collective prosperity.

For those preparing for their own naturalization interview, here are some helpful resourcesthat I found invaluable: the USCIS Civics Practice Test, which allows you to practice the questions that may be asked during the civics test; study materialsfrom USCIS, which often offer resources and classes to help you prepare for the citizenship test; and community organizations like the Welcoming Centerand HIAS Pennsylvania, which provide support and resources for immigrants preparing for citizenship.

The journey to citizenship is one of dedication and perseverance. We encourage all Philadelphians to get involved in Citizenship Day celebrations. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, or simply take a moment to reflect on the contributions of immigrants in our community, your participation helps to build a more inclusive and welcoming city. Citizenship Day is a time to celebrate the journey of becoming a U.S. citizen and to honor the diverse tapestry of cultures that enrich our city. At the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs, we are proud to support our immigrant communities and look forward to celebrating this special day with you