US Halts Citizenship Ceremonies for Nationals from 19 Countries
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US Halts Citizenship Ceremonies for Nationals from 19 Countries

Summary

The Trump administration has suspended naturalization ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries, citing national security concerns.

The Trump administration has suspended naturalization ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries, including Iran, Venezuela, and Afghanistan, citing national security concerns. This decision has left many legal permanent residents, who had completed all requirements for U.S. citizenship, in a state of uncertainty.

Sanam, an Iranian immigrant residing in Oregon, was informed just two days before her scheduled oath on December 3 that her ceremony was canceled without explanation. She expressed feelings of shock and confusion, stating, "It's been just years and just feeling drained and feeling like, can I even keep going with this process? Because it's been so hard."

Similarly, Jorge, a Venezuelan immigrant, received notice less than 24 hours before his December 2 ceremony that it had been canceled. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the next steps.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instructed its employees to halt immigration pathways for individuals from the specified countries. USCIS stated that the pause is necessary to ensure that all individuals from these countries are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible, emphasizing that the safety of the American people always comes first.

Advocacy groups have criticized the move. Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, described the decision as "crass," "cruel," and "arbitrary," noting that affected individuals are "disheartened, devastated and rightly outraged."

The suspension follows a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national opened fire on National Guard members, resulting in casualties. The administration has cited this event as justification for the new immigration restrictions.

Source

BBC

First reported

US Halts Immigration Applications from 19 Countries Following DC Shooting

• BBC

Fact-checking

Fact-check the facts of the article using external sources and databases.

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Confirmed

An Afghan national opened fire on National Guard members in Washington, D.C., resulting in casualties.

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The Trump administration has suspended naturalization ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries, including Iran, Venezuela, and Afghanistan, citing national security concerns.

✓
Confirmed

The suspension follows a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national opened fire on National Guard members, resulting in casualties.

✓
Confirmed

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instructed its employees to halt immigration pathways for individuals from the specified countries.

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