INS Swears in 15,000 New Citizens
Posted Oct 04, 2002

On September 17, 2002, the INS naturalized over 15,000 new U.S. citizens in 23 separate ceremonies across the country as part of the celebration of Citizenship Day. INS Offices nationwide have seen a sharp rise in the number of applications for naturalization during Fiscal Year 2002 (October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002).

The increase of over 50% in naturalization filings is largely attributable to the events of September 11, 2001. Many immigrants have chosen to apply for citizenship due to patriotic feelings as well as the fear of remaining a "foreigner" in the current political climate.

Of interest to those who are contemplating citizenship, INS states that the average processing time for naturalization applications has increased from about six to nine months. Presumably, this timeframe covers the period from filing to the interview and decision. Depending upon the location of filing, there can be an additional wait of several months for a swearing-in ceremony.

We have previously written about the requirements for and benefits of naturalization. See our February 08, 2002 article, Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen, available on MurthyDotCom. The citizenship requirements include residency and physical presence requirements, as well as knowledge of U.S. civics and the ability to read, write, and speak English. (The law allows for some limited exceptions to the above requirements in certain circumstances.) It is necessary to demonstrate good moral character and to show attachment to the principles of the Constitution. All new citizens must take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. and must renounce loyalty to any foreign state.

More information on this topic is available in our February 15, 2002 MurthyBulletin article, Basic Eligibility Requirements for Becoming a Citizen and the Citizenship section of MurthyDotCom.

We congratulate all of the new U.S. citizens on this proud occasion.