What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes all naturalization applications and provides the Court with a list of the candidates selected to be naturalized in the Federal Court.  The court does not have the ability to change your scheduled naturalization date.

If you have specific questions regarding the Naturalization process please contact the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.    To schedule an appointment with the USCIS office go to INFOPASS.  USCIS does not take personal phone calls.

The Naturalization Ceremony

The culmination of the Naturalization process is the administration of the Oath of Citizenship. In the District of Kansas, approximately 2,500 petitioners take the oath of citizenship in a formal ceremony every year. The ceremony typically lasts for about an hour. For specific questions regarding the Naturalization ceremony, please contact the clerk's office in your location.

See our calendar for upcoming Naturalization Ceremonies.

Americans by Choice Exhibit

See the court's exhibit about immigration and naturalization in Kansas.

View the documentary video, "The American Dream in Kansas: In Their Own Words".

Immigration Records

The only records maintained by the Clerk of the Court is the Petition for Name Change. For a copy of the original, contact the clerk's office in the location where you attended the ceremony. You will need to know the date of the ceremony. For all other records, please contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Naturalization in the News

• 2014 Naturalization Ceremony at the Dole Institute
• 102 Become Citizens in Dole Naturalization Ceremony (9/17/13)
• Kansas Naturalization Ceremony Blends History (3/22/13)

2013 Annual Ceremony in Lawrence, KS

Tips:

When you are attending  a Naturalization ceremony:

• You must show a photo ID to enter the courthouse or venue. You must pass through courthouse security.
• Typically, cell phones, cameras and other electronic devices (such as MP3 players) are not allowed in the courthouse; however, the judges have authorized cameras during the Naturalization ceremony and the reception. Cell phones should be silenced and only used as a camera during the event.
• No weapons of any type, drugs or other illegal items are allowed.

ADA Accommodations

If you have a disability and need special accommodations during a Naturalization Ceremony, please contact your local clerk's office. Read more about our Services to Persons with Communication Disabilities.