25 People To Become Naturalized U.S. Citizens At Alexandria Ceremony

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A naturalization ceremony is planned in Alexandria on Tuesday, Sept. 13, when 25 people will become naturalized U.S. citizens.

The ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA. This will be the first in-person ceremony hosted by the City of Alexandria since 2019. The 25 people becoming citizens come from 24 countries. The Oath of Allegiance will be given by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services official.

To become a U.S. citizen, candidates must go through a 10-step process once they've had a green card for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen and meet various requirements. These requirements include a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.; ability to read, write and speak English; knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; good moral character and attachment to constitutional principles.

The ceremony marks Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which falls on Sept. 17. The two commemorations celebrate adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and the native-born and naturalized citizens in the U.S. Naturalization ceremonies are also regularly held at the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria.

In the event of inclement weather, the naturalization ceremony happen in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA.