Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
15h ago

USCIS Pause Halts Oaths for Nationals of 19 Countries as Some Boston Ceremonies Proceed

The agency cites a national-security review tied to a June proclamation following the National Guard shooting.

A person holds their hand up to their chest as they swear allegiance to the U.S. flag during a naturalization ceremony in Miami, F.L., on April 28, 2006.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • USCIS confirmed it has paused adjudications for applicants from 19 designated high‑risk countries to conduct enhanced vetting.
  • The pause triggered last‑minute cancellations and removals at oath events, including Boston’s Faneuil Hall, an Indianapolis ceremony where 38 of 100 were turned away, and a San Diego case involving an approved Afghan applicant.
  • Implementation has been uneven, with some ceremonies continuing; 81 people from 34 countries were naturalized Wednesday at Boston’s Moakley Federal Courthouse.
  • USCIS has announced a new Vetting Center in Atlanta to support the review, but the agency has provided no operational details or timeline for resuming affected cases.
  • Advocates and attorneys report confusion and legal concerns, noting delayed oaths postpone passports and protections and may leave some applicants vulnerable to case reopenings.