Lambeau Field hosted a special naturalization ceremony today, honoring 99 candidates in the Atrium as they officially became United States citizens.
The event was held in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The candidates for citizenship came to the United States from 32 different countries around the world: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China, Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Somalia, Spain, Syria, Taiwan, Uganda, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Vietnam.
"The Packers were proud to host such a significant event at Lambeau Field as 99 new U.S. citizens affirm their commitment to our country," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Today is a great reminder of how special it is to be an American and how important it is for all of us to remain civically engaged. Congratulations to our new fellow citizens."
U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin James R. Sickel presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance.
"I was immensely proud and honored to administer the oath to immigrants who became new citizens of the United States at Lambeau Field," said Sickel. "This is the first time such a ceremony has taken place in the Atrium at Lambeau Field. Today, 99 individuals became American Citizens in this well-known landmark, adding another new and important way the stadium has served the community. The new citizens pledged their allegiance to the United States. My hope for each new citizen is that by taking the oath at Lambeau Field it made an already memorable day, even better."
Today's event marked the first-ever naturalization ceremony held at Lambeau Field. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services often participates in naturalization ceremonies at museums, schools, stadiums and other notable locations, such as Lambeau Field, to celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant's journey to citizenship and honor the commitment they have shown along the way. Special venues not only make these events meaningful for those who have voluntarily chosen to participate in American democracy and dedicated themselves to the country's future, but they also reflect the strength and spirit of the United States.
To apply for naturalization, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident of the United States for five years (or three years, if married to a US citizen). They must reside continuously in the U.S. for the entire three- or five-year period and must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 50 percent of that time period. They also must pass the naturalization exam (civics, and reading, writing, speaking English), show an attachment to the Constitution and be a person of good moral character.
Some of the applicants may have been permanent residents for many years before filing their N-400, Application for Naturalization, while others file as soon as they're eligible. Currently, the Milwaukee Field Office is taking about five months to process N-400 applications. All applicants undergo background checks and an interview before their application is approved.
