Sixty-three new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance at a Berks County naturalization ceremony on April 9, 2025, at the Berks County Courthouse. This event brought together people from nine different countries, showing the ongoing diversity and strength of the local immigrant community.
The Berks County naturalization ceremony is part of a larger national trend. Across the United States 🇺🇸, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that 818,500 new citizens were naturalized in fiscal year 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024. While this number is 7% lower than the previous year, it still remains higher than the average before the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania continues to hold regular naturalization ceremonies, with similar events taking place in neighboring counties like Lebanon in May 2025.
The Berks County Bar Association played a key role in organizing and publicizing the ceremony. Local judges and USCIS officials led the event, guiding the new citizens through the Oath of Allegiance and sharing remarks about the importance of citizenship. Community groups, such as the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, continue to support immigrants by offering English language and civics classes to help them prepare for citizenship.
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Show good moral character and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Demonstrate English language skills and knowledge of U.S. civics
- Pass a background check, an English test, and a civics test
- Attend an interview and, if approved, participate in a public naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance
The main form used for this process is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be found on the official USCIS website.
USCIS has worked hard to keep up with the demand for naturalization. The 818,500 new citizens in 2024 represent a 12% increase over the pre-pandemic yearly average. The agency has also focused on restoring trust in the immigration system, ending some humanitarian parole programs, and making sure that only those who meet all requirements become citizens. Special ceremonies, especially around Independence Day in July 2025, have highlighted the patriotic meaning of citizenship and the government’s commitment to high standards.
At the April 2025 Berks County ceremony, 63 individuals from nine countries became U.S. citizens. Nationally, the top countries of birth for new citizens in 2024 were Mexico (13.1%), India (6.1%), the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%). Pennsylvania continues to welcome hundreds of new citizens each year through similar ceremonies.
Becoming a U.S. citizen brings many benefits. New citizens gain the right to vote, can apply for federal jobs, become eligible for certain government benefits, and can sponsor family members for immigration. Citizenship also removes the risk of deportation and allows full participation in American civic life. Local organizations, like the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, offer ongoing help with language skills, legal advice, and ways to get involved in the community.
Immigration experts point out that naturalization is a careful, step-by-step process that takes time and effort. Applicants must prepare for the English and civics tests, gather documents, and attend interviews. Local officials and community leaders say that new citizens bring positive changes to the region’s economy, culture, and civic life. The current federal administration has stressed the importance of lawful immigration and returning to traditional naturalization paths, which is different from some past policies.
Looking ahead, USCIS is expected to keep focusing on efficient processing and high standards for naturalization. More ceremonies are planned throughout 2025. Local organizations expect more people will seek help with citizenship preparation, especially as more green card holders become eligible. Policy debates at the federal level may lead to changes in eligibility, wait times, or program priorities, but as of July 31, 2025, the main requirements and steps remain the same.
For those interested in becoming U.S. citizens, several resources are available:
- USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: Offers information on eligibility, application forms, and study materials. Visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center for details.
- Berks County Bar Association: Provides local ceremony information and legal help.
- Literacy Council of Reading-Berks: Offers citizenship classes and English language support.
- USCIS Contact Center: Call 1-800-375-5283 for questions about your case or general information.
Naturalization ceremonies have a long history in Berks County. The number of new citizens changes each year based on national trends, policy changes, and local demographics. However, the commitment to welcoming new Americans remains strong.
A summary of the April 2025 Berks County naturalization ceremony:
| Date | Number of New Citizens | Countries of Origin | Organizers/Stakeholders | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 9, 2025 | 63 | 9 | Berks County Bar Association, USCIS | Ceremony at Berks Courthouse |
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these ceremonies not only mark a personal milestone for each new citizen but also strengthen the community as a whole. Local leaders often share stories of new citizens who go on to start businesses, volunteer, or serve in public roles, showing the positive impact of immigration on Berks County.
For example, one new citizen from the April 2025 ceremony shared, “Becoming a U.S. citizen means I can finally vote and have a say in my community. I’m grateful for the support I received from the Literacy Council and my family.” Stories like this highlight the real-life benefits and emotional meaning of naturalization.
If you are thinking about applying for citizenship, it’s important to start by checking your eligibility and gathering the needed documents. Taking English and civics classes can help you prepare for the tests. Many local organizations offer free or low-cost help, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
In summary, the Berks County naturalization ceremony is a powerful reminder of the ongoing promise of the United States 🇺🇸 as a place where people from around the world can build new lives. With strong support from local groups and a clear process set by USCIS, more immigrants are becoming new citizens each year, adding to the region’s diversity and strength. For the latest updates and official information, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center or contact the Berks County Bar Association.
Learn Today
Naturalization → The legal process through which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen by fulfilling requirements and taking an oath.
Form N-400 → The official USCIS application form used by lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship via naturalization.
Oath of Allegiance → A solemn pledge new citizens make to uphold U.S. laws and principles during the naturalization ceremony.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration and naturalization processes in the U.S.
Lawful Permanent Resident → A non-citizen legally authorized to live and work permanently in the U.S., usually holding a green card.
This Article in a Nutshell
On April 9, 2025, Berks County welcomed 63 new citizens from nine countries. Despite a nationwide 7% drop, 818,500 naturalizations occurred in 2024. The ceremony highlights citizenship’s importance and ongoing support from local groups preparing immigrants for legal U.S. status and civic engagement.
— By VisaVerge.com
