A US naturalization ceremony. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

Rockland County legislators are calling on federal immigration officials to immediately reinstate local naturalization ceremonies after a wave of abrupt cancellations halted the final step of the citizenship process for dozens of residents. 

In a letter sent Wednesday, Nov. 19, to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow, 12 Rockland County lawmakers expressed alarm over the agency’s recent decision to cancel scheduled ceremonies—including one on Friday, Dec. 5 that was set to naturalize roughly 100 Rockland residents. 

Without the ceremony, applicants cannot take the Oath of Allegiance, leaving them unable to become US citizens despite completing years of residency, vetting, and application requirements.

Legislators warned that the cancellations are creating serious hardships.

"Becoming a U.S. citizen is not just a legal process - it is an emotional and life-changing moment," said Legislator Paul Cleary, who signed the letter alongside Chair Jay Hood Jr., Vice Chairs Aney Paul and Phil Soskin, and nine other lawmakers. 

“Many of these residents have spent years preparing for this day. To have their ceremony cancelled at the last minute is devastating," Cleary continued. 

The letter notes that some applicants are facing expiring travel documents, work complications, and delays in fully participating in civic life.

Legislator Aney Paul, who immigrated from India and is a naturalized citizen, said the cancellations have caused “unnecessary instability for families who have followed every rule.”

Lawmakers said they’ve received indications that USCIS may push to require all New York applicants to complete their naturalization process at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan — the headquarters for both USCIS and ICE and a site frequently linked with immigration arrests. 

Legislator Beth Davidson called the shift “mean-spirited and inequitable,” warning that forcing Rockland families to travel to Manhattan will create "unfair barriers."

"Naturalization ceremonies are joyful occasions, often with spouses and children in attendance," Davidson added, going on to say, "Moving them out of the county and down to New York City will create unfair barriers for those who already balance jobs and childcare and make it harder for family to participate.”  

The legislators outlined four demands for USCIS:

  • Provide written guidance to all affected applicants;
  • Reschedule all canceled ceremonies within 30 days;
  • Increase staffing and resources to prevent future delays;
  • Coordinate with county governments to minimize disruptions.

Legislator Itamar Yeger, a first-generation American and son of Holocaust survivors, said the delays undermine the country’s promise to immigrants.

"We speak often nowadays about a legal path to citizenship," Yeger said, adding, "We should not be turning our backs on those who accepted this bargain just before they join the ranks of citizens.” 

In an additional email to USCIS officials, Cleary emphasised the personal and historic significance of local naturalization events.

"Some of them have waited over 20 years and paid thousands of dollars," Cleary wrote, continuing, " In a country where we encourage people to 'do it the right way,' we should support those who have done so."