USCIS Citizenship Ceremonies Shutdown: What It Means for New Americans

The ongoing US government shutdown has led to the abrupt cancellation of USCIS citizenship ceremonies across the country, leaving many immigrants in shock and uncertainty. Dozens of people ready to take their Oath of Allegiance over the weekend were turned away without warning, as federal services continue to be disrupted.

One such incident occurred at a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Virginia, where about a dozen hopeful new citizens arrived with their naturalization notices — only to find their ceremonies canceled. Many had not been notified in advance, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the shutdown on immigration services.

How the Shutdown Disrupted USCIS Citizenship Ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies, typically celebratory and deeply symbolic, are the final step for immigrants becoming US citizens. On Saturday, applicants from diverse backgrounds gathered in Virginia expecting to raise their right hands and swear allegiance to the United States. Instead, they were told the event had been canceled due to the ongoing government funding impasse.

“You should have been notified,” a staff member told those present. However, none of the attendees had received any emails, phone calls, or official notifications. The USCIS website was briefly down, and once restored, applicants saw that their appointments had been marked as canceled days earlier due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Some immigrants feared the cancellations might have been personal. One woman wearing a hijab quietly asked another attendee if she had been turned away too, worried that her clothing played a role. Others, who had brought their families to celebrate, left in disappointment and confusion. For many, this was more than an inconvenience — it disrupted plans, jobs, and years of preparation.

Despite being largely funded by application fees and usually operational during shutdowns, USCIS faces delays in public-facing services such as interviews and oath ceremonies. Its director, Joseph Edlow, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the agency “regrets any negative impacts but must ensure it complies with the law.”

Political Deadlock and Its Impact on Immigration

The shutdown, caused by a budget impasse between Republicans and Democrats since October 1, has forced over 700,000 federal workers into unpaid leave. While essential services continue, many public-facing operations, including parts of USCIS, have slowed or stopped entirely.

For immigrants who have spent years navigating complex paperwork, interviews, and citizenship tests, the delays are devastating. Many have held green cards for over a decade before applying for citizenship — only to find themselves in limbo at the final step.

USCIS has rescheduled some ceremonies for November 1, but with no end to the shutdown in sight, even those dates are uncertain. The agency does not publicly report the number of canceled ceremonies, though anecdotal reports indicate that the issue is widespread.

Adding to the anxiety, US immigration policies have undergone several rapid changes in the last nine months. The shutdown exacerbates this uncertainty, raising concerns about how long the naturalization process could be delayed and how it might affect applicants’ lives and future plans.

The USCIS citizenship ceremonies shutdown has highlighted how political stalemates in Washington directly affect individuals pursuing the American dream. As the impasse drags on, thousands of aspiring citizens remain caught in a legal and emotional limbo, waiting for the day they can officially call the United States their home.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why were USCIS citizenship ceremonies canceled?

The ongoing US government shutdown forced the cancellation of many USCIS citizenship ceremonies. Despite being fee-funded, public-facing services like oath ceremonies can be delayed.

Q2: Will my rescheduled ceremony happen if the shutdown continues?

There’s no guarantee. Some ceremonies have been moved to November 1, but further delays are possible if Congress does not pass a funding bill.

Q3: How many USCIS ceremonies have been canceled?

USCIS has not released nationwide figures. However, reports suggest cancellations have occurred at multiple field offices.

Q4: Does USCIS normally close during shutdowns?

No. Because it is mostly fee-funded, USCIS usually remains open. However, certain services like ceremonies and interviews can still face disruptions.

Q5: What can applicants do if their ceremony was canceled?

Check the USCIS website frequently for updates and watch for rescheduling notices. Contact USCIS customer service for case-specific information.