(SPRINGFIELD) Nearly 400 immigrants from more than 70 countries became U.S. citizens on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during a naturalization ceremony held at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The oath, administered by U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless, began at 11:00 a.m. on Governor’s Day, marking the second consecutive year the Illinois State Fair has hosted this public event honoring new Americans and their families.
Governor J.B. Pritzker welcomed the new citizens and spoke about their role in carrying forward the nation’s ideals. He praised their persistence and service to their communities, stressing that the country grows stronger when immigrants take the Oath of Allegiance and claim full civic rights. U.S. Representative Mike Quigley and State Representative Delia Ramirez joined the program, signaling broad support for immigrant integration at the state and federal levels.
The naturalization ceremony drew a large audience of relatives, friends, and community groups who watched the Oath of Allegiance in a celebratory setting rather than a courthouse. That choice was deliberate. State leaders have pushed to bring citizenship events into public venues where the community can share the moment.
For many, the setting, the fair’s energy, and the presence of state leaders underscored how deeply Illinois links immigration to civic pride.
One new citizen, Maria Morales from Mexico, described what the day meant for her family and her son’s future. Her story echoed the feelings of many parents who see citizenship as a way to secure a stable path forward for their children and to build stronger roots in Illinois communities. Applause from both families and fairgoers followed as each new American’s name was called.
Public Oath at the Orr Building
Event organizers emphasized accessibility and visibility by holding the oath at the Illinois State Fair. This placement put thousands of everyday visitors within sight of a civic milestone they might not otherwise witness.
State officials said the goal was to celebrate diversity in an open, welcoming space and to affirm that immigrants are part of the state’s shared story. Rather than relying solely on courthouse ceremonies, Illinois has been bringing the oath to community-centered spaces such as the fairgrounds.
Key details released by organizers include:
- Date and Time: August 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
- Number of New Citizens: Approximately 400
- Countries Represented: Over 70
- Presiding Officials: Governor J.B. Pritzker; U.S. Representative Mike Quigley; State Representative Delia Ramirez; and the Honorable Colleen Lawless, U.S. District Judge, who administered the oath
- Setting: Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair
- Historical Context: Second straight year the fair has hosted a citizenship event
The public setting boosts visibility, invites neighbors to cheer new citizens, and helps build wider public support for immigrant families who live, work, and study across the state. State leaders also linked the event to civic life, noting that becoming a citizen opens doors that shape daily life and long-term plans.
The active, outward-facing nature of the ceremony connects civic rights with community celebration and voter engagement in an open forum.
This second year at the fair helped formalize a tradition. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Illinois plans to continue hosting naturalization ceremonies at the State Fair and in other public venues as part of a long-term approach to immigrant inclusion and civic pride.
What Citizenship Changes for Families
The ceremony also brought immediate, practical changes for the new Americans. Organizers highlighted several key effects that follow the oath:
- Voting Rights
- New citizens can register and vote in local, state, and federal elections.
- Federal Employment
- Citizens become eligible for federal jobs that are not open to non-citizens, widening career opportunities.
- Family Sponsorship
- Citizens can sponsor certain relatives for immigration under family-based categories, often turning long separations into reunions.
The fair setting helped explain these changes to friends, relatives, and fairgoers who may not know what citizenship unlocks. Illinois officials and community leaders said visibility matters: when the public sees the oath, they better grasp the commitment new citizens make and the responsibilities they accept.
That shared moment can reduce fear, build trust, and strengthen ties among neighbors. Organizers added that the fair setting helps newcomers feel seen and welcomed, lowering stress and marking the day with joy.
Leaders, Message, and Community Impact
The participation of Governor Pritzker, Rep. Quigley, and Rep. Ramirez signaled that immigration is a priority at multiple levels of government — federal, state, and local. Officials framed the ceremony as a promise that Illinois will stand with immigrants who:
- Put down roots
- Start businesses
- Raise families
- Contribute to workforce and neighborhood life
For people weighing citizenship, the message was clear: there is strong public support for those who choose to take the oath.
Where to Find Official Information
People seeking official information on naturalization, eligibility, and future ceremony schedules can consult federal and state sources:
- USCIS Citizenship Resources: Application steps, study materials for the civics test, and official guidance are available at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship
State officials noted that schedules for future events, including potential fair ceremonies, will appear on Illinois government channels and State Fair announcements as plans are finalized. The Secretary of State and local partners will share updates on dates, security, and attendance guidance for guests and family members.
Ceremony Tone and Future Plans
Wednesday’s ceremony at the Orr Building balanced celebration and solemnity. Families cheered, children waved, and community groups held signs. At the same time, the oath itself — a formal pledge to the United States — reminded everyone that citizenship carries duties as well as rights.
Officials and attendees said they hope the fair tradition continues. As Illinois closes its second year of hosting a high-profile naturalization ceremony at the state fairgrounds, the state’s message is unmistakable: the path to citizenship is not only a legal process, but also a public welcome into the shared life of the state.
Organizers say that welcome, given in front of neighbors and friends, helps new citizens start their next chapter with confidence and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
On August 13, 2025, roughly 400 immigrants from 70+ countries took the Oath at the Orr Building, turning legal process into public celebration. State leaders including Governor Pritzker and Judge Colleen Lawless emphasized civic inclusion, voting rights, federal job eligibility, and family sponsorship as immediate citizenship impacts for newcomers.
