Federal court naturalization ceremonies are formal events where immigrants become U.S. citizens after completing the naturalization process. These ceremonies typically are held in federal courthouses, though they can also take place at historic sites, national parks, sports arenas or community centers. A federal judge presides over the event, administering the Oath of Allegiance, which is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen.
The ceremony can often includes speeches by the judge, government officials, or distinguished guests, emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. After taking the oath, participants receive their naturalization certificates, officially confirming their U.S. citizenship. Our ceremonies also often include voter registration services, encouraging new citizens to participate in democracy.
These ceremonies serve as a meaningful and celebratory conclusion to the naturalization process, highlighting the significance of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Naturalization ceremonies are held once a month at the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh, and twice per year in the Court’s Erie and Johnstown divisions.
The Oath of Allegiance taken by applicants for citizenship is as follows: “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
||
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
