(MINNESOTA) Thirty immigrants from 23 countries became U.S. citizens Monday morning at the Minnesota State Fair, taking the Oath of Allegiance on the Summit Stage and walking away with certificates, voter registration forms, and wide smiles. The naturalization ceremony began at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, with a second ceremony set for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the same location in the International Bazaar. Magistrate Judge Doug L. Micko presided, calling on the crowd to welcome the newest Americans and to support their first steps as voters, neighbors, and colleagues.
The group—representing nations including Brazil, Somalia, and Mexico—stood with hands raised as they recited the Oath, then joined the audience for the Pledge of Allegiance. An accordion version of the “Star-Spangled Banner” drew cheers, a reminder that public ceremonies at the fair are designed to blend civic duty with community celebration.
Friends and family packed the area, many waving flags and holding phones to capture the moment. The fair also provided ASL interpretation to ensure the event was accessible.
Ceremony logistics and immediate supports
New citizens received their naturalization certificates and were offered voter registration forms on the spot. Volunteers from the League of Women Voters Minnesota were positioned nearby to answer questions and guide first-time registrants.
Organizers say the on-site voter support ensures that people can take part in upcoming elections immediately after they become citizens.
Ceremony details at the Minnesota State Fair
- When and where: Summit Stage in the International Bazaar; first event at 9:00 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2025; second event at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- How many people: 30 new citizens representing 23 countries
- Led by: Magistrate Judge Doug L. Micko
- What happened: Oath of Allegiance, Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem performance, certificate presentation, and voter registration support
Why public ceremonies matter
Public naturalization ceremonies have become more common around the country, with courts and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services partnering on events in museums, libraries, stadiums, and fairs. The Minnesota State Fair has emerged as a popular venue for the Upper Midwest.
Officials say these settings:
- Build civic pride and create a welcoming space that reflects the diversity of newcomers
- Demystify the naturalization process for fairgoers who may stop to watch, ask questions, and learn more
- Encourage first-year voter turnout among newly naturalized citizens (VisaVerge.com reports a correlation between public ceremonies and increased early participation)
Judge Micko told attendees that immigrants enrich Minnesota’s culture and economy, praising families for the years of work that led to this milestone. Many new citizens described the experience as joyful and a little surreal—proud to finish the journey in such a public setting, with the scent of fair foods in the air and a crowd that clapped for each name as certificates were handed out.
Federal rules and the application process
Officials stress that the core federal rules remain steady. There have been no major changes to eligibility or federal naturalization policy in 2024–2025.
Applicants still go through the standard process:
- File the Form N-400 application.
- Complete biometrics and background checks.
- Pass the interview and civics test.
- Receive approval and a ceremony notice from USCIS or the local federal court.
For official application information, see the USCIS page for Form N-400: uscis.gov/n-400.
What happens at a public ceremony (typical four-step day)
- Check in with court and USCIS staff, present identification, and confirm details.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance with the full group on stage or in the seated area.
- Receive the Certificate of Naturalization.
- Proceed to nearby tables for voter registration help and community resources.
Accessibility and practical perks
Organizers note the importance of accessibility. This week’s events include ASL interpretation, and staff can guide attendees to seating areas that meet mobility needs.
The fair posts schedules, maps, and accessibility details at mnstatefair.org, helping families plan their morning around the ceremony and the day’s activities.
Practical perks of the fair setting include:
- Family-friendly environment where relatives can more easily attend
- On-site voter registration assistance from groups like the League of Women Voters Minnesota (lwvmn.org)
- Immediate guidance about election timelines and nonpartisan voter information
- Opportunity to apply for a U.S. passport the same day, if desired
Outreach, barriers, and ongoing efforts
Advocates in Minnesota say public ceremonies help reach immigrants who may have delayed applying due to cost, fear, or confusion about requirements. Seeing neighbors complete the process in a friendly public space encourages others to apply.
Community partners and officials are pursuing pilot programs and expanded citizenship education to:
- Shorten wait times where possible
- Offer more classes and interview preparation, especially for older adults and survivors of conflict
- Expand outreach to underrepresented immigrant communities
VisaVerge.com analysis indicates that outreach tied to public ceremonies can reduce myths about testing and wait times, particularly when local legal aid groups answer questions on site.
Important reminders and tips for attendees
- The fair ceremony does not change the federal naturalization process—this is a celebratory final step.
- Applicants must still meet residency rules, demonstrate good moral character (including criminal and tax history checks), and satisfy English and civics requirements unless exempt.
- After approval, USCIS or the court issues a ceremony notice with date and place; for fair events, invitations include check-in, seating, and document review instructions.
For those attending the Wednesday follow-up event, organizers encourage:
- Early arrival
- Comfortable clothing for summer heat
- Keeping key documents secure after the certificate is issued
“It’s the same federal process, only the final step—the ceremony—takes place in a larger, celebratory venue.”
Closing scene
The sight of thirty people raising their hands together at the Minnesota State Fair was both public and personal—an everyday place hosting a life-changing step. As the anthem faded, the new citizens filed out, certificates in hand, headed toward voter tables and, yes, a line for cookies.
This Article in a Nutshell
On August 25, 2025, thirty immigrants from 23 countries became U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony held on the Summit Stage at the Minnesota State Fair. Magistrate Judge Doug L. Micko presided over the event, which combined formal elements—the Oath of Allegiance, Pledge of Allegiance, and certificate presentations—with community celebration, including an accordion performance of the national anthem. New citizens received Certificates of Naturalization and immediate voter registration support from volunteers like the League of Women Voters Minnesota; ASL interpretation and accessibility accommodations were provided. Officials emphasized that federal naturalization rules remained unchanged in 2024–2025 and outlined the standard N-400 application process. Public ceremonies aim to boost civic pride, demystify naturalization, and encourage early voter participation. A second ceremony was scheduled for August 27, 2025.
