Outreach
Suggested Citizenship Outreach Activities:
Naturalization Oath Ceremonies.
One of the easiest citizenship outreach activities is for a Post to host an administrative naturalization oath ceremony. Posts interested in opening their doors to host a ceremony should inquire by contacting their local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Community Relations Officer.
Oaths of Allegiance Ceremonies for Military Members.
Posts interested in holding an oath of allegiance ceremony for local military members becoming naturalized U.S. citizens should contact their local USCIS Community Relations Officer.
Offer the Services of the Post’s Honor/Color Guard.
Administrative naturalization oath ceremonies often include ceremonial elements. Posts that have a color or honor guard can offer their services at a naturalization ceremony. Posts interested in offering this service should contact their local USCIS Community Relations Officer.
Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies.
As a non-profit and non-partisan organization, local American Legion Posts are eligible to apply to offer voter registration services at administrative naturalization ceremonies by submitting a written request to the local USCIS Community Relations Officer.
Naturalization Information Sessions.
USCIS and The American Legion can work together to hold naturalization information sessions for immigrants. These sessions are led by the local USCIS Community Relations Officer and are intended to give an overview of the naturalization process and eligibility as well as provide an opportunity for immigrants to ask questions about citizenship and the naturalization process.
Celebrate New Citizens.
Post can celebrate newly naturalized citizens by inviting them and their families to the Post for a congratulatory dinner. Posts can also invite key individuals in the community and join together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, discuss the importance of the American flag, introduce them to important U.S. symbols, songs, and food, etc.
English and Citizenship Classes and Tutoring.
The demand for English and civics instruction in many communities exceeds the number of available programs. For Posts interested in supporting this effort, USCIS recommends partnering with other local community organizations, literacy programs, libraries, or other groups to teach citizenship or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Posts interested in hosting or helping existing classes can contact the USCIS Community Relations Officer for resources to help build and develop citizenship programs for immigrants.
The USCIS also offers training courses for volunteers and adult educators designed to enhance the skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process, and to administer comprehensive adult citizenship education programs.