Naturalization Ceremonies

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 585.223.6819.

Upcoming Naturalization Schedule

Since April, 2020, naturalizations have been private administrative ceremonies in Buffalo and a fewer number in Rochester at the County Clerk’s Office. We are not yet allowed to attend them to help new citizens register to vote. We are in contact with the USCIS and will resume attendance when it is permitted.