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Naturalization ceremonies in all New York State counties have resumed after a temporary suspension, according to Congressman Mike Lawler. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had initially canceled ceremonies in seven counties, including Rockland and Westchester, due to concerns about court jurisdictions. This decision would have forced residents to travel to Manhattan for their ceremonies.
Lawler, who was among the first to criticize the cancellations, worked with USCIS Director Joseph Edlow to reverse the decision. According to the Times Union, Lawler stated, "These ceremonies are among the most moving and patriotic events I attend as a public official. To cancel these ceremonies without warning was unacceptable, and I'm glad USCIS acted quickly to fix it."
The suspension had sparked outcry from public officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who argued that the cancellations denied access to citizenship. Schumer wrote to Edlow, demanding the rescheduling of ceremonies, stating that the cancellations were inconsistent with federal law obligations.
USCIS initially cited concerns that some county courts did not meet statutory requirements to conduct ceremonies, leading to a shift from judicial to administrative ceremonies. However, Lawler clarified the role of state Supreme Court judges in overseeing these events, leading to the reinstatement of ceremonies.
News10 reported that additional guidance from USCIS is expected, ensuring that county clerks and Supreme Court justices certify their roles in the process. The resumption of these ceremonies allows new citizens to celebrate their achievement locally with family and friends.