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Naturalization Ceremonies

Overview

The naturalization process begins with a document called a Petition for Naturalization. Every potential citizen must complete a Petition before taking the Oath of Allegiance. The Petition contains the potential citizen’s birth date, occupation, means of entry to the United States, and names of any spouse and children. The Petition also provides the Alien Registration number and the number assigned to their Certificate of Naturalization.

Ceremonies

The United States courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt are the primary locations for naturalizing new citizens within the District of Maryland. On occasion, ceremonies may be held at other locations. Visitors to federal court facilities are required to pass through a magnetometer and have all belongings and packages subject to physical and/or X-ray examination similar to security screening at airports. When reporting for a naturalization ceremony, please plan your arrival time accordingly. Firearms, knives, explosives, and other weapons are prohibited from federal court facilities and subject to confiscation.

For information about scheduling or rescheduling a naturalization ceremony, contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at (800) 375-5283.