HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Hill Air Force Base conducted a naturalization ceremony on June 28, where 22 individuals took the oath of allegiance to become United States citizens. The ceremony, held on the flightline, coincided with the base’s biennial Warriors Over the Wasatch Open House and Air Show.
The ceremony was a collaborative effort between the 75th Air Base Wing Judge Advocate General’s Office and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. This partnership, established in 2023, aims to expedite and prioritize immigration applications for service members and their families.
Military service offers several immigration benefits, including the waiver of the typical five-year waiting period for citizenship for non-citizens who enlist. Additionally, military legal assistance programs provide free support for immigration-related inquiries and applications.
The Parole in Place program is another benefit, allowing family members who may be ineligible for a green card to adjust their status.
Among the new citizens was Luz Mary Arroyave Perez, whose daughter, Staff Sgt. Andrea Arango Arroyave with 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, faced potential separation due to an upcoming overseas assignment.
The partnership between Hill AFB and USCIS facilitated the expedited processing of Arroyave’s citizenship application, culminating in her naturalization after a 30-year wait.
Service members and their families interested in learning more about immigration services are invited to attend a special event on July 31 at 11:30 a.m. in the Legal Office Courtroom.
Guest speakers will include Capt. Kelsey Knitter from the 75th ABW Judge Advocate Office and a USCIS liaison, who will answer questions, address concerns, and connect attendees with peers facing similar circumstances.