Volunteers from LWVSA have been attending all of the Naturalization Ceremonies in San Antonio since April of 2022. Naturalization Ceremonies are held at the following locations: the federal courthouse, the USCIS office, Municipal Plaza, the Lila Cockrell theatre, and the Skyroom at UIW. Each location is unique. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in San Antonio covers the western district of Texas which includes 68 counties. Because it covers such a vast area we are able to engage with large numbers of new citizens as well as with the friends and families who come to celebrate with them. This summer we have engaged with over 1400 new citizens per month plus their friends and families.
At every ceremony we hear comments that demonstrate that the League is valued and appreciated. For instance, one of the presiding federal judges told everyone that the League members do much more than voter registration, they protect your rights and defend democracy. A League member overheard a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution describing what the League does, including VOTE411, to the new citizens before the ceremony. A family member who was born in the U.S. offered gratitude for what we do and said that even though he always votes he learned a lot from hearing our announcement. Many people who attend the ceremony stop to thank the League volunteers for all of the work that we do.
There have been many meaningful encounters that remind us of why people are so grateful to become U.S. citizens. A man from Afghanistan cried happy tears at becoming a citizen. He was an interpreter for the U.S. Marines and it was too dangerous to return to his home country. A woman expressed joy that her daughters could get an education now that they are U.S. citizens. One woman was invited to speak at her own Naturalization Ceremony. She described how each new citizen has reasons that they had to leave their home country. Her home country was a failed democracy so she will work to ensure that democracy survives in her new country. Someone who left a war torn country may work to resolve differences. Each new citizen will strive to make their new country better than the one they left.
Those who volunteer with the League at the Naturalization Ceremonies find it rewarding. One volunteer said, “I volunteer because I find the ceremonies quite moving, I'm proud to see people wanting to become citizens, and I believe the League performs a great service by stressing the importance of voting.” Another volunteer finds that witnessing the ceremonies gives her hope that inspiring things are happening in our country. Remarking on the many countries that are represented at a ceremony, a volunteer said, “It’s wonderful to see them wearing apparel from their home country. It reminds me of the rich culture and traditions that they bring with them.”
At every ceremony volunteers witness people who have been on such a long journey to citizenship. By being at the ceremonies, as one volunteer noted, the League can “make sure people learn about voting and hopefully not only register but also go vote!” If you are interested in volunteering, please visit
SignUpGenius to view current opportunities or email
mdierolf.lwvsa@gmail.com or
communityoutreach@lwvsa.org.
Photos from the ceremony on July 3 at Municipal Plaza. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones welcomed the new citizens. U.S. Magistrate Judge Bemporad administered the oath. Photos courtesy City of San Antonio.