Who Are The Only 8 Honorary Citizens In The History Of The United States?

It’s really difficult to gain honorary American citizenship

The government of the United States has long closely overseen citizenship status. People born outside of the country can still become official citizens, but typically have to go through a rigorous process to reach eligibility. In the history of the country, there have been only a total of eight people who have been designated as honorary citizens. Who are they?

According to Everycrsreport.com honorary American citizenship is:

“A private law to grant citizenship should not be confused with honorary citizenship. Honorary citizenship is a rare and extraordinary honor granted to foreigners who have rendered great service. Only a handful of individuals have received this honor…

“Honorary citizenship “is a symbolic gesture. It does not grant any additional legal rights in the United States or in international law. It also does not impose additional duties or responsibilities, in the United States or internationally, on the honoree. It does not give the recipient any voting privileges.”

The exceptionally rare instances where honorary citizenship is granted is done at the behest of the President and Congress. It is so rare that in the nearly 250-year history of the country only eight people have been tapped for the distinction. They include:

1. Bernardo de Galvez: As interim governor of Louisiana under Spanish rule, Galvez played a key role in supporting the American Revolution from his position. He helped coordinate campaigns against the British and smuggled goods to the Patriots, which in turn secured pivotal victories that significantly impacted the war’s outcome. George Washington himself acknowledged Galvez’s influence, emphasizing his crucial assistance. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that the United States conferred his citizenship status — a mere 228 years after his death.
2. Casimir Pulaski: Another key figure of the American Revolution, Pulaski was a skilled Polish military strategist who fought valiantly for American independence. He not only was credited with saving George Washington’s life during the Battle of Brandywine, he also wrote the literal book on cavalry tactics, making him a key figure in the origins of American cavalry. His honorary citizenship was granted in 2009, more than 200 years after his passing.
3. Hannah and William Penn: William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania Colony, and his wife Hannah, who helped manage the colony after his passing, were honored with honorary citizenship status in 1984 by an official decree by President Ronald Regan. Their contributions. The formation and growth of Pennsylvania helped it become a haven of tolerance, setting it as a shining star in the colonies at the time.
4. Marquis de Lafayette: A French general who also played a vital role in the American Revolution. He helped secure crucial support from France for the American colonists. His contributions were so significant that both the U.S. House and Senate mourned his 1834 passing, draping their halls in black, while former President John Quincy Adams delivered a three-hour eulogy in his honor. Despite all that, his citizenship didn’t come about until 2002,
5. Mother Teresa: Best known for her remarkable dedication to helping the poor and infirmed in Calcutta, Mother Teresa was named an honorary U.S. citizen during her lifetime (1996) — only the second person who can claim that distinction. It’s just another honor for a woman who even gained sainthood in the Catholic Church not long after her death.
6. Raoul Wallenberg: Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish businessman, who became a hero during the Holocaust, saving thousands of Hungarian Jews from deportation and death in concentration camps. Despite immense risks, he provided aid and protection, earning him worldwide admiration. He was finally arrested as a spy, and it is believed he died in captivity in 1947. Wallenberg’s honorary U.S. citizenship came in 1981 as the result of a bill sponsored by Congressman Tom Lantos, one of the many people he had saved.
7. Winston Churchill: The first recipient of honorary citizenship within their own lifetime was Churchill. The iconic wartime Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was granted honorary citizenship in light of him being a steadfast American ally during some of the toughest years the world has ever known.

While the eight honorary American citizens weren’t able to capitalize on this grand distinction, it has allowed them to maintain a connection to the United States because of the important contributions they made. In this way, their American legacy should persist forever as a testament to their accomplishments during their lifetimes.