New York Attorney General Letitia James has called on the federal government to reverse its recent decision to cancel naturalization ceremonies in several counties across New York. In a letter sent to Joseph B. Edlow, director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), James expressed concern over the abrupt cancellation of these events in Westchester, Rockland, Schenectady, Washington, Broome, Tompkins, and Onondaga counties.
James highlighted the significance of naturalization ceremonies for new citizens and their communities. “As you well know, and as demonstrated by the numerous and significant ceremonies your agency has organized over the years, taking an oath of allegiance and becoming a U.S. citizen is a moment of pride and significance for our new citizens and their communities. An oath ceremony represents the culmination of a long process and the beginning of a new stage for those obtaining U.S. citizenship. For years, New Yorkers have celebrated this special occasion with friends and family in their communities at ceremonies that reflect the best of our nation,” James wrote.
She also emphasized that holding these ceremonies locally benefits residents by making them more accessible to participants’ families and friends.
James noted that local officials were given little notice about the cancellations and did not receive adequate explanations or assistance from USCIS to address potential obstacles. “This sudden change has caused alarm and disappointment among a bipartisan group of county officials, local leaders, and community members. They received this news with little notice, without an adequate explanation or any effort to address and resolve obstacles,” she said.
The attorney general requested written answers from USCIS within 15 days regarding whether the cancellations are permanent or temporary due to recent government shutdowns; how such shutdowns may have impacted ceremonies; whether current federal funding agreements have resolved these issues; and what steps are being taken to prevent delays in processing citizenship documentation for New Yorkers.
“Therefore, my office requests answers in writing to the following questions within the next 15 days, no later than December 4, 2025: Have naturalization ceremonies been permanently canceled at these locations or is this simply a short-term delay due to the recent government shutdown? If these ceremonies were affected by the shutdown, can you describe those impacts; and if so, has the new federal funding agreement resolved them? What additional preparations is USCIS currently undertaking to ensure there are no delays in processing citizenship documentation for New Yorkers?” James asked.
She concluded her letter thanking Edlow for his attention to what she described as an important matter affecting many state residents.
