Westchester leaders express concern over federal government canceling local naturalization ceremonies
During a press conference Wednesday, officials gathered to demand U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reinstate local naturalization ceremonies.
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Major concerns are being raised in Westchester over the federal government canceling local immigrant naturalization ceremonies.
During a press conference Wednesday, officials gathered to demand U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reinstate local naturalization ceremonies.
The New York City field office for U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services recently sent letters to the clerks from Westchester and Rockland counties, informing them they will no longer be hosting the ceremonies, forcing local immigrants to take their final oaths of allegiance in New York City.
“For years, naturalization ceremonies in Westchester County have been an essential service for our residents. We are home to a diverse and growing immigrant population, and these ceremonies provide a local, accessible and dignified path for new Americans. Discontinuing them creates real barriers for families already balancing work, childcare and other responsibilities. We urge USCIS to reconsider and work with us to restore these critical opportunities," said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
The Westchester County Clerk’s Office wrote to USCIS expressing "deep concern" over the abrupt cancellation and discontinuation of these ceremonies.
A spokesperson with USCI sent News 12 the following statement:
“USCIS is dedicated to ensuring that all aspects of the naturalization process comply with federal law. After reviewing the jurisdiction of certain New York county courts under the Immigration and Nationality Act, we have determined that these courts do not meet the statutory requirements to conduct naturalization ceremonies. As a result, USCIS will transition from judicial to administrative ceremonies to ensure compliance with the law. Aliens scheduled for ceremonies at these courts will be rescheduled, and their naturalization process will continue.”
