News Release

NPS and USCIS Renew Agreement to Host Naturalization Ceremonies in National Parks

Three new American citizens join NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge who is holding the signed partnership agreement.

NPS

News Release Date: November 10, 2021

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WASHINGTON - The National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today signed an agreement to continue to host naturalization ceremonies in national parks. During an event in Baltimore, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas administered the Oath of Allegiance to 17 new citizens. He was joined by USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou and NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge who also renewed a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies that has existed since 2006.    

“Our country’s 400-plus national parks offer picturesque and inspirational settings for naturalization ceremonies,” said Benge. “Each national park, including Ellis Island where 12 million immigrants first set foot on American soil, illuminates an important part of our country’s collective story. They are places where we can enjoy natural beauty and reflect on our national identity, including the ongoing and countless contributions of immigrants throughout our history.”  

The partnership reinforces the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthen integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans. Immigrants from all over the world have helped shape the country’s culture and values since its inception. Granting citizenship to eligible lawful permanent residents is fundamental to a society based on the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. 

“We are thrilled to extend our collaborative partnership with the National Park Service, which is part of a larger government-wide effort to promote naturalization opportunities and provide valuable resources to immigrants seeking or eligible to obtain U.S. citizenship,” said Jaddou. “Ceremonies at American landmarks celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant’s pathway to citizenship and honor the commitment they’ve shown along the way. NPS historic sites not only make these events meaningful for those who have voluntarily 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.”  

Hundreds of naturalization ceremonies have taken place in national parks. Today’s event was held at the Star-Spangled Banner House, a site affiliated with the National Park Service as a National Historical Landmark and as part of both the Baltimore National Heritage Area and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. To commemorate Veterans Day, all 17 people who became citizens are veterans or active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Services. Their countries of origin are Cameroon, China, El Salvador, Germany, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and South Korea.   

In addition to providing locations, services, personnel, and equipment to co-host naturalization ceremonies in national parks, the agreement calls for the NPS and USCIS to jointly develop educational materials that promote the importance of civic responsibility.  

 

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.