Government Shutdown Leads to Cancellations of US Citizenship Ceremonies

Mon Dec 29 2025 06:29:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A government shutdown has forced the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies across the United States, leaving hopeful new citizens in confusion and uncertainty as they await rescheduled appointments.

As a government shutdown continues, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has canceled numerous citizenship ceremonies, impacting countless individuals who are eager to become American citizens. The lack of communication regarding the cancellations has left many in limbo, causing anxiety about their futures and the next steps in the citizenship process. With ongoing political gridlock, it is uncertain when these ceremonies will be rescheduled or when normal services will resume.

A group of hopeful new citizens arrived at a US immigration office in Virginia on a Saturday morning, ready to take the final step toward American citizenship. Clutching their naturalization notices, they anticipated a solemn yet celebratory occasion where they would raise their right hands and swear the Oath of Allegiance.

However, their excitement turned to dismay when they were informed that the ceremony had been canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. You should have been notified, the staff member at the desk said, but none of those present had received any prior communication. This abrupt cancellation highlighted the chaotic nature of the government shutdown, as even federal staff appeared unaware of the situation.

Upon checking the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website later, many found that their appointments had been canceled days earlier with a vague message stating it was due to unforeseen circumstances. In the absence of proactive communication, attendees were left feeling confused and disappointed.

Among those waiting, a woman in a hijab voiced her concerns, fearing she was turned away due to her attire. A man who had brought his family to celebrate his citizenship journey left the office anxious and uncertain. The anxiety was palpable as people contemplated the impact of these delays on their lives and plans.

For many, the road to citizenship involves years of paperwork and interviews, alongside preparation for the citizenship test. As someone who had finally decided, after a decade of holding a green card, to become a citizen and vote, the uncertainty was particularly disheartening.

With a new rescheduled date of November 1 mentioned by the staff, it remains to be seen whether this will be feasible given the ongoing shutdown. Although immigration services generally operate through government shutdowns funded by application fees, larger public-facing services, including naturalization ceremonies, can face delays as confirmed by USCIS director Joseph Edlow.

Across the country, many remain in a similar situation, with reports of canceled ceremonies circulating online. The lingering question of when the government shutdown will end adds to the uncertainty for those eager to finalize their American citizenship. The political standoff between Republicans and Democrats, ongoing since October 1, has placed over 700,000 federal workers on unpaid leave, further complicating the situation.

The effects of Washington's impasse are felt deeply in the lives of aspiring citizens, stirring anxiety and concern about their aspirations towards making the US their permanent home.