8th Annual U.S. Citizen Reception in Bowling Green
Bowling Green, Kentucky, will host its 8th annual U.S. Citizen Reception next month at the Slone Convention Center. This special event is designed to recognize and congratulate newly naturalized U.S. citizens who have taken the citizenship oath within the past year. The celebration will take place on September 10, beginning at 6 p.m.
Understanding Naturalization
Naturalization is the process that allows lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens after fulfilling specific requirements set by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. While applying for naturalization is not compulsory, interested individuals must go through several steps. This includes submitting an application, passing a background check, paying a fee of $760, and undergoing an interview conducted in English.
“It is a cumulative of 100 questions of civics, U.S. government, U.S. history, and geography that you have to know about our country and be able to pass,” shared the City International Communities Liaison for the City of Bowling Green, Ledya Becker. Once applicants complete these steps successfully, the final requirement is an oath ceremony, typically held in Louisville.
Why Bowling Green Hosts the Reception
Becker explained the importance of the local reception: “We didn’t just want people to have to travel to Louisville, to another city in Kentucky that they probably never visited, and be surrounded by people that they didn’t know. That’s why we do the celebration. It’s one of our favorite events.” The goal is to create a welcoming environment for new citizens to feel recognized and celebrated among their community.
What to Expect at the Reception
The reception will not only honor new citizens but will also offer various activities and resources. There will be refreshments provided for attendees, and a voter registration table will be set up to help new citizens register to vote. “Warren County Court Clerk will assist individuals who want to register to vote before their eligibility for the first election in November,” Becker noted.
Job Opportunities
Additionally, there will be an area dedicated to highlighting potential work opportunities within government and city services, particularly in public safety roles. “We’ll have our Bowling Green Police Department on hand to answer any questions about how to become a police officer. Being a U.S. citizen is one of the requirements to apply for our police academy,” Becker explained.
Registration Details
Those interested in attending the reception must register by September 6. Registration can be completed by filling out a designated form. This event not only honors new citizens but also provides them with valuable information and opportunities to engage within their community immediately after their naturalization.
The U.S. Citizen Reception serves as a vital moment for new citizens to connect with local resources, celebrate their achievements in a more personal setting, and learn about their rights and responsibilities as voters and community members.
