Naturalization Ceremony for 30 New Citizens at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the National Park Service will welcome 30 new U.S. citizens during a special naturalization ceremony Friday at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument to celebrate National Park Week. USCIS Jacksonville Field Office Director Lisa Bradley will administer the Oath of Allegiance, and NPS Superintendent of Castillo de San Marcos Gordon Wilson will offer congratulatory remarks to the new citizens. The 30 citizenship candidates originate from the following 22 countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saint Lucia, Spain, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom 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 their commitment. USCIS and NPS 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. National Park Week highlights the more than 400 parks that preserve our natural and cultural heritage and provide recreational opportunities across the country.

USCIS encourages new citizens and guests to share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtag #NewUSCitizen. NPS encourages use of the hashtags #FindYourPark, #MyParkStory and #NationalParkWeek.