Naturalization ceremonies canceled amid new vetting measures
By Maricela De La Cruz
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CALIFORNIA (KCRA) — Naturalization ceremonies in several U.S. cities have been canceled following a presidential proclamation that pauses immigration applications from 19 countries deemed “high risk,” raising concerns among immigrants about the future of their citizenship applications.
The cancellations follow the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national suspect.
“As part of the process, you have to show that you have been living in the United States for a requisite period of time, that you have sufficient good moral character, and be able to pass a civics and history test or an English test,” explained Brian Lopez, an immigration attorney.
Hugo Vera, another immigration attorney, expressed skepticism about the need for additional vetting, noting that the current process is already stringent.
“The reason that the administration is giving these cancellations of citizenship ceremonies and reviewing permanent residents’ applications is that they need more vetting, but it’s weird, as immigration attorneys know that vetting is already very, very strict,” he said. “It’s very, very difficult, first of all, to become a permanent resident. It’s a 24-page application with a ton of supporting documents, and they take fingerprints and run all sorts of biometrics before someone becomes a permanent resident.”
Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new vetting center in Atlanta, claiming it has enhanced capabilities to protect national security and ensure public safety. However, this development has caused concern among immigrants awaiting their oath ceremonies, as it raises questions about the future of their cases.
“Technically, until the person has their oath ceremony, then they’re still not a citizen, so up until that point, it’s theoretically possible that immigration can continue to review that application before they allow them to attend an oath ceremony and complete the final step, which would grant them citizenship,” Lopez said.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “USCIS has paused all adjudications for aliens from high-risk countries while USCIS works to ensure that all aliens from these countries are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The pause will allow for a comprehensive examination of all pending benefit requests for aliens from the designated high-risk countries. The safety of the American people always come first.”
Vera noted that the changes are sparking a large amount of worry.
“I think there’s a tremendous amount of anxiety and worry about what’s next. If our permanent residence is being attacked now, what’s next? Am I going to be put into removal proceedings if I’m from a certain country?” Vera said.
As the situation unfolds, immigrants must wait to see what additional screening measures USCIS will implement under the presidential proclamation, with guidance expected within 90 days.
Amid these developments, Congresswoman Doris Matsui criticized the administration’s actions, stating, “This is the latest escalation of the Trump administration’s xenophobic agenda. Families who have followed every rule are now being thrown into chaos because this Administration has chosen to target entire immigrant communities. It’s cruel and fundamentally un-American.”
She added, “This is the playbook we’ve seen since day one—weaponizing fear, singling out vulnerable communities, and trampling on basic rights. The same discriminatory rhetoric and policies that are currently putting our Afghan neighbors at risk and have led to aggressive raids that terrorize families are now forcing people into confusion and anxiety at the very moment they should be celebrating their citizenship.”
This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.
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