Officials in Westchester County are advocating for the reinstatement of local naturalization ceremonies. These ceremonies mark the final step in the journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cancelled a ceremony on November 12 and announced a halt to future events.
Impact of the Cancellation
County legislator David Imamura emphasized that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants. He expressed concern over the difficulties the cancellation imposes on the naturalization process for aspiring citizens. Families of new citizens may also struggle to attend these significant events.
Kenneth Jenkins, the Westchester County Executive, stated, “Discontinuing them creates a real barrier for families balancing work, childcare, and other responsibilities.” This sentiment highlights the importance of naturalization ceremonies as a community event.
Concerns over Centralized Ceremonies
USCIS has directed that naturalization ceremonies be conducted at 26 Federal Plaza. This location has faced criticism due to previous concerns surrounding immigration enforcement. Timothy Idoni, the County Clerk, pointed out potential challenges immigrants may face at this site.
- Location issues can hinder attendance.
- Immigrants may encounter difficulties due to concerns about ICE.
County Leaders’ Response
County officials have offered logistical and staffing support to facilitate the reinstatement of local ceremonies. However, no agreement has been reached with federal authorities thus far. Leaders are keen to revert to previous practices that accommodated local naturalization.
Congressman Mike Lawler has been proactive in discussions with USCIS. He communicated with USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, advocating for the restoration of local ceremonies.
USCIS Justification
According to USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser, the decision to centralize naturalization at federal buildings stems from compliance issues. He stated that certain New York county courts failed to meet federal requirements for hosting these ceremonies.
Lawler acknowledged this perspective but expressed hope for a resolution. He mentioned that seven counties received notices indicating they could not conduct naturalization ceremonies, but there remains confusion over why those specific counties were targeted.
- The abrupt notification raises questions about the decision-making process.
- Lawler believes a more thorough evaluation may alter the current stance.
As discussions advance, county leaders remain hopeful that naturalization ceremonies will resume locally. The reinstatement would provide a vital service to the immigrant community in Westchester County.
