60 New U.S. Citizens to be Naturalized at Old State Capitol Ceremony

Key Takeaways

• On May 28, 2025, 60 individuals will become U.S. citizens at Old State Capitol ceremony in Springfield, Illinois.
• Naturalization ceremony includes oath, certificate presentation, voter registration, and distribution of American flags.
• Applicants must bring Form N-445 and Green Card; update SSA records and apply for passports post-ceremony.

A Special Day for 60 New Americans: Naturalization Ceremony at the Old State Capitol

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, will host a special event that marks a turning point in the lives of 60 individuals. These people, who come from many different countries and backgrounds, will become U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony organized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This ceremony is more than just a legal process—it is a celebration of new beginnings, shared values, and the promise of full participation in American life.

What Is Happening and Why It Matters

The naturalization ceremony at the Old State Capitol is part of a series of events held across the United States 🇺🇸 to welcome new citizens. USCIS, the federal agency in charge of processing citizenship applications, organizes these ceremonies to mark the end of a long journey for immigrants who have met all the requirements to become Americans.

Who: 60 individuals from various countries
What: Becoming U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Where: Old State Capitol, Springfield, Illinois
Why: To officially grant U.S. citizenship and celebrate the new Americans
How: Through a formal ceremony led by USCIS, with support from local officials and community groups

This ceremony is especially meaningful because it takes place at the Old State Capitol, a historic site that has witnessed many important moments in American history. Holding the event here adds a sense of tradition and honor to the occasion.

How the Naturalization Ceremony Works

For those unfamiliar with the process, a naturalization ceremony is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Here’s what typically happens:

Step 1: Oath Ceremony Notification

Before the big day, each applicant receives a letter called the Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. This letter tells them the date, time, and place of their ceremony. You can find the official form and more details on the USCIS website.

Step 2: Check-In

When candidates arrive at the Old State Capitol, they check in with USCIS officers. They must bring their completed Form N-445 and their Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card). Officers review the paperwork and collect the Green Cards, since these are no longer needed once someone becomes a citizen.

Step 3: The Ceremony Program

The ceremony itself is both formal and festive. It usually includes:

• Welcoming remarks by a Master of Ceremonies, often a USCIS official or a local dignitary
• National anthem and other patriotic songs or presentations
• Call of countries, where the names of the countries represented by the new citizens are read aloud, showing the diversity of the group
• Administration of the Oath of Allegiance, where all candidates stand and repeat the oath, pledging loyalty to the United States 🇺🇸
• Keynote remarks by officials or special guests, who often share words of encouragement and welcome
• Presentation of Certificates of Naturalization (Form N-550), which is the official document proving U.S. citizenship
• Voter registration and the distribution of American flags, often organized by community groups like the League of Women Voters

Step 4: Certificate Review

After the ceremony, new citizens are advised to carefully check their Certificate of Naturalization for any mistakes. If there is an error, it’s important to tell a USCIS officer right away so it can be fixed.

Step 5: Post-Ceremony Steps

Becoming a citizen opens many doors, but there are a few important things to do right after the ceremony:

• Update Social Security records: Wait at least 10 days after the ceremony, then contact the Social Security Administration to update your status. This helps make sure your records are correct and you can get benefits.
• Apply for a U.S. passport: You can use your Certificate of Naturalization to apply for a passport, which allows you to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return as a citizen.
• Register to vote: Many ceremonies offer voter registration on the spot, but you can also register later at your local election office.
• Consider sponsoring family members: As a citizen, you may be able to help certain relatives immigrate to the United States 🇺🇸.

For more information on these steps, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.

Why the Ceremony Is Important

The naturalization ceremony is not just a formality. It is a powerful moment that recognizes the hard work, patience, and commitment of each new citizen. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these ceremonies help new Americans feel welcomed and valued, and they encourage active participation in civic life.

USCIS leadership often describes the ceremony as a “positive and memorable moment.” Judges who preside over these events remind new citizens of their rights and responsibilities, urging them to vote, serve on juries, and get involved in their communities.

Community organizations also play a key role. Groups like the League of Women Voters and local civic clubs often attend ceremonies to provide voter registration, distribute American flags, and answer questions about civic life. Their presence helps new citizens feel supported as they take their first steps as Americans.

Background: How Naturalization Works in the United States 🇺🇸

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is based on rules set by Congress, as allowed by the Constitution. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for a certain number of years (usually five, or three if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Show good moral character
• Pass English and civics tests
• Complete an interview with a USCIS officer

Once these steps are finished, the final requirement is to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

Historic venues like the Old State Capitol are often chosen for these events to highlight the importance of citizenship and connect new Americans to the country’s history.

Recent Changes and Ongoing Improvements

There have been no major changes to the naturalization process or ceremony rules in 2025. The process is still governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and managed by USCIS. However, there are some ongoing efforts to make things easier for applicants:

• Digital notifications: USCIS now sends more updates by email or online accounts, making it easier for applicants to track their progress.
• Coordination with Social Security: In some cases, USCIS works directly with the Social Security Administration to update records automatically, saving new citizens time.
• Community involvement: USCIS encourages local groups to take part in ceremonies, especially to help with voter registration and civic education.

What New Citizens Gain

Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with many rights and responsibilities. Here are some of the most important:

Rights:
– The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
– The ability to apply for a U.S. passport
– The right to sponsor certain family members for immigration
– Full legal protections under U.S. law
– Access to government jobs and benefits that require citizenship

Responsibilities:
– Obeying all laws
– Serving on a jury if called
– Participating in the democratic process, such as voting
– Supporting and defending the Constitution

Immediate Steps After the Ceremony

After the naturalization ceremony, new citizens should take care of a few important tasks:

1. Update Social Security records: Wait about 10 days, then visit your local Social Security office or go to www.ssa.gov to update your status.
2. Apply for a U.S. passport: Use your Certificate of Naturalization to apply. Passport information is available at travel.state.gov.
3. Register to vote: You can do this at the ceremony or later at your local election office.
4. Consider sponsoring family members: As a citizen, you may be able to help certain relatives immigrate to the United States 🇺🇸.

For more details on these steps, check the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.

The Role of Stakeholders

Many people and organizations are involved in making the naturalization ceremony a success:

• USCIS: Organizes the event, processes applications, and provides official documents.
• Local officials: Often give speeches and welcome new citizens.
• Community organizations: Help with voter registration, answer questions, and provide support.
• Judges: Sometimes lead the ceremony and administer the Oath of Allegiance.

These groups work together to make sure the ceremony is meaningful and that new citizens have the information and support they need.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Naturalization Ceremonies

USCIS is expected to continue holding naturalization ceremonies at historic sites and around national holidays. These events help remind everyone of the importance of citizenship and the value of welcoming new Americans.

There may also be more improvements to the process in the future, such as:

• Faster processing times through digital tools
• Easier ways to update records and apply for benefits
• More support for new citizens as they adjust to life in the United States 🇺🇸

Summary Table: Naturalization Ceremony at Old State Capitol

Practical Guidance for New Citizens

If you are about to attend a naturalization ceremony, here are some tips:

• Bring all required documents: This includes your Form N-445 and Green Card.
• Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time for check-in.
• Dress appropriately: Ceremonies are formal events.
• Listen carefully: Pay attention to instructions from USCIS officers and officials.
• Check your certificate: Make sure your name and other details are correct before leaving.
• Ask questions: If you are unsure about anything, ask a USCIS officer or community volunteer.

If you need more information, the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center is a helpful place to start.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

The naturalization ceremony at the Old State Capitol is more than just a legal step—it is a celebration of hope, hard work, and the promise of a better future. For the 60 new citizens, this day marks the start of a new chapter as full members of the United States 🇺🇸 community. With the support of USCIS, local officials, and community organizations, these new Americans are ready to embrace their rights and responsibilities and contribute to the country they now call home.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, such ceremonies highlight the ongoing commitment of the United States 🇺🇸 to welcoming new citizens and supporting their integration into civic life. Whether you are an applicant, a family member, or simply interested in immigration, the naturalization ceremony is a reminder of the values that unite Americans and the opportunities that citizenship brings.

For official information on the naturalization process, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. If you have questions about Social Security or passports, check www.ssa.gov or travel.state.gov.

This special day at the Old State Capitol is a proud moment for the new citizens, their families, and the entire community. It is a celebration of dreams achieved and the beginning of new journeys in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Naturalization → The legal process by which immigrants become full U.S. citizens with rights and responsibilities.
Form N-445 → Notice letter sent to applicants detailing the date and place of the naturalization ceremony.
Oath of Allegiance → A formal promise to support the United States and its Constitution during the naturalization ceremony.
Certificate of Naturalization → Official document proving a person has become a U.S. citizen after the oath.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing citizenship applications and ceremonies.

This Article in a Nutshell

A naturalization ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Springfield welcomes 60 new U.S. citizens on May 28, 2025, symbolizing new beginnings and civic participation rights.
— By VisaVerge.com