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2w ago

USCIS Halts Local Citizenship Oath Ceremonies in Upstate New York, Citing Court Jurisdiction

The agency plans to shift affected events to federal sites after ruling some county courts lack authority under the immigration law.

A man holds a United States flag in a naturalization ceremony, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in New York.
Forty people take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony led by Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck on Sept. 5 at the John Quimby Theater at SUNY Ulster. In recent weeks, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has been canceling the events in several upstate New York counties, without explanation.
Image
Stock image US citizenship. | Getty Images

Overview

  • USCIS confirmed it reviewed certain New York county courts and found they do not meet statutory requirements to host naturalization ceremonies.
  • Applicants previously scheduled for local judicial ceremonies will be rescheduled for administrative ceremonies at federal venues, including 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan.
  • County clerks in Westchester, Rockland, Schenectady, Washington, Broome, Tompkins and Onondaga reported abrupt emails canceling upcoming events and stating there would be “no more ceremonies moving forward.”
  • New York Attorney General Letitia James urged a reversal and requested written answers by December 4, while Rep. Mike Lawler said he pressed USCIS Director Joseph Edlow to restore local ceremonies.
  • Implementation has varied, with Monroe County allowed to proceed with two upcoming ceremonies, and the cancellations follow other recent USCIS moves limiting local roles, such as ending reimbursements to county clerks and barring NGO voter registration at ceremonies.