Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) canceled several citizenship ceremonies. This occurred because of the partial shutdown of the federal government that began on October 1, 2025. This suspension affects thousands of immigrants who were hoping to make their naturalization official and receive full rights as U.S. citizens.
The oath ceremonies are the last part of the naturalization process. Their cancellation has caused uncertainty and personal and legal problems for applicants.
Reasons behind cancellations
Although USCIS uses application fees to fund many of its operations, it relies on the government.
This has stopped citizenship ceremonies and interviews.
This measure is due to the political stalemate in Congress.
This has left more than 700,000 public employees without salaries.
As a result, non-essential public services, such as naturalization ceremonies, have been temporarily closed.
Will the ceremonies be reactivated?
The resumption of citizenship ceremonies will depend directly on the resolution of the federal government shutdown.
Until Congress reaches agreements on the budget, these ceremonies will remain suspended or limited.
USCIS has said that when funding is restored and everything returns to normal, they will reschedule the pending ceremonies.
They will also attend to applicants who are in arrears.
Impact on applicants
The postponement of these events delays the attainment of citizenship.
It also affects immigrants’ ability to use their new rights.
These rights include voting, accessing certain benefits and receiving full protection from the State.
In addition, it generates anxiety and disorganization in family and professional plans that depend on that legal status.
Recommendations for those affected
Applicants are advised to stay in contact with USCIS and regularly check official channels for updates on rescheduling ceremonies.
It is also good to talk to immigration lawyers.
They can help manage the situation.
In this way, they ensure that all immigration obligations are met while they wait.
In summary, citizenship ceremonies have been temporarily cancelled by USCIS due to the partial government shutdown in 2025, affecting thousands of immigrants.
Reactivation will depend on political resolution and the restoration of federal funds.
In the meantime, it is vital that applicants remain informed and in contact with the authorities to avoid further complications.
Filed as: USCIS cancels citizenship ceremonies
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
