US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has partnered with the National Park Service (NPS) in recognition of Constitution and Citizenship Day on September 17. Over 9,000 candidates will be naturalized; candidates across twenty-two (22) national park sites will be naturalized between September 13 and September 24. Some of the highlights of this event include twenty-five (25) citizens being naturalized under the foot of General Grant’s Tree in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park in Three Rivers, California on Sept. 15, a ceremony at the Lincoln memorial on Sept. 22, 5,200 candidates being naturalized at Fenway Park and celebrations at the Grand Canyon.
The USCIS and the National Park Service (NPS) renewed their partnership to enhance the meaning and stature of citizenship ceremonies by holding naturalization ceremonies at NPS sites across the nation. Their agreement aims to introduce new citizens to the National Park System, which includes some of the nation’s most significant natural resources and cultural heritage sites according to the press release issued on September 13, 2010.