Naturalization

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process that confers United States citizenship upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended throughout the years. One requirement is that a naturalization applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government, and another test on reading, writing and speaking English. Many schools and community organizations help naturalization applicants prepare for their citizenship tests.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), now located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and for establishing immigration services policies and priorities. The USCIS website provides a lot of information including interactive self-tests and study guides to prepare for the U.S. government and history exams.

League Participation in Naturalization Ceremonies

Representatives of the League of Women Voters/Rochester Metro Area attend each oath ceremony and greet new citizens and register them as new voters. League members are welcome to attend any Naturalization Ceremony.  If interested, please contact Sheila Abeling at sheiler162007@gmail.com or 585.520.5105. 

Schedule - 2024

State Naturalization Ceremonies

(check in at 10AM, ceremony begins at 11AM. At the Monroe County Office Building except as noted)

Jan. 16

Feb. 20

March 12th: George Eastman Museum

March 19

April 16

May 21

June 18

July 4: Genesee Country Village & Museum

July 16

July 23: George Eastman Museum

Aug. 20

Sep. 17: SUNY Brockport

Oct. 15

Nov. 12: George Eastman Museum

Nov. 19

Dec. 17

Federal Naturalization Ceremonies

(Check-in at 1pm, ceremony begins at 2PM. Federal Building)

Jan. 15

Feb. 20

March 19

April 16

May 21 

June 18

July 16

August 20

October 15

November 19

December 17