Everyone invited to celebrate citizenship on Sept. 17

In 2004, Congress passed legislation to create a Constitution and Citizenship Day each year on Sept. 17.

The Office of Immigration Information of the Mayor’s Office — in partnership with the Exchange Club of Hilo, Aloha Exchange Club, Hilo Lions and Akaka Falls Lions Clubs, Daughters of the American Revolution and the League of Women Voters — invites the publlic to join in celebrating at a special program from 2-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Edith Kanaka’ole Multipurpose Stadium.

The free event will honor and recognize the newest Americans who were naturalized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is also a day to express pride in our citizenship.

In the past, USCIS (formerly INS) administered the oath-taking ceremonies to those who successfully passed the U.S. naturalization examination at the Third District Court’s Courthouse in Hilo. The agency has since ceased the Neighbor Island outreach services and now administers the oath of citizenship exclusively in Honolulu, thus limiting the ability of friends and relatives to attend the ceremonies.

“The Immigration Information Office will continue this tradition (in Hilo) to allow families and friends to again celebrate what is considered a most profound day with those who have made a choice to become American citizens,” said Hawaii County Immigration Information Specialist Rose Bautista.

“The Immigration Office is urging anyone who took the oath of U.S. Citizenship and would like to participate in the Citizenship Day 2014 to contact us by Friday, Sept. 12,” she said. “The Immigration Office also encourages those who are Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs or “green card” holders) who are interested in applying for U.S. citizenship, to attend, as the office will distribute naturalization applications and study materials at the event.”

For more information, contact Bautista at 961-8220 or email rbautista@hawaiicounty.gov.