# Virtual Naturalization Act of 2021

This bill allows people who are applying to become U.S. citizens to take their oath of allegiance remotely through video instead of having to show up in person at a government office. Currently, the naturalization process requires applicants to attend an in-person ceremony where they take an oath renouncing their previous citizenship and pledging allegiance to the United States. This bill creates an alternative option so people can complete this final step from home using videoconferencing technology.

The Department of Homeland Security would have 90 days to set up the procedures for these virtual ceremonies. The rules would need to use secure video technology and require the least burdensome way possible to verify that people are who they say they are. People participating remotely would still need to surrender their green cards and submit their paperwork just like they would at an in-person ceremony, and they would receive the same citizenship welcome packet and materials. The bill also states that a remote ceremony counts as meeting the legal requirement for the oath to be administered publicly, so it has the same legal standing as showing up in person.

This change would mainly benefit people who have difficulty traveling to an immigration office—whether due to disability, distance, work schedules, or other barriers. It could speed up the naturalization process and make it more accessible, especially for people in rural areas or those with health concerns. The bill doesn't eliminate in-person ceremonies; it simply gives applicants the choice of which option works better for them.

Virtual Naturalization Act of 2021

Virtual Naturalization Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish procedures for conducting remote naturalization oath ceremonies. An individual may complete the naturalization process by participating in such a remote oath ceremony in lieu of an in-person ceremony.