Westchester Leaders Urge Restoration of Local Naturalization Ceremonies

WHITE PLAINS, New York — Westchester County officials are appealing to the federal government to restore local naturalization ceremonies that mark the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. This request follows the abrupt cancellation of a ceremony on November 12 by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

County leaders criticized the decision during a press event in White Plains on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of these ceremonies for immigrant families. "We are a nation of immigrants. Let’s not make it more difficult for immigrants to become part of our nation," said Westchester County legislator David Imamura.

Officials argue that halting these ceremonies creates unnecessary barriers for families who are already balancing work and childcare responsibilities. "Discontinuing them creates a real barrier for families," Westchester County Executive Kenneth Jenkins stated.

Currently, USCIS has directed future ceremonies to take place at 26 Federal Plaza, a location that has been associated with controversial issues concerning immigration enforcement. "It forces these folks to go down to 26 Federal Plaza, where there have been some notorious issues concerning ICE and things of that sort," said Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni.

County executives have offered to assist federal officials with staffing and logistics to reinstate the ceremonies. However, they state that nobody from the federal side has taken up the offer as of yet. They acknowledge that while immigrants will eventually be naturalized, the process could take several months.

Congressman Mike Lawler, who spoke with USCIS Director Joseph Edlow earlier in the day, advocated for the ceremonies to be reinstated. "I made the case for why these ceremonies should be restored and why the policy should be rescinded," he said.

USCIS has justified its decision by claiming that local courts do not meet federal requirements for conducting naturalization ceremonies. In an email, spokesman Matthew Tragesser explained that the agency must ensure all aspects of the naturalization process comply with federal law.

Lawler voiced concern over the abrupt notification sent to seven counties, stating he could not understand why those specific counties were singled out. He expressed hope that discussions with USCIS leadership would lead to a resolution. "I think there may have been a little bit of jumping the gun here with the notifications and decisions," he said, adding that he remained optimistic about the ceremonies being restored soon.