Dozens of aspiring US citizens arrived at an immigration office in Virginia, eagerly anticipating their oath ceremony, only to find it abruptly canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. Staff at the office cited a lack of communication from the USCIS, leaving many immigrants confused and disappointed about the sudden turn of events.
The government shutdown, which has lasted for over two weeks due to a deadlock in Congress, has placed over 700,000 federal workers on unpaid leave, causing operational disruptions across various departments. The USCIS, while primarily funded by application fees, has halted public-facing services such as citizenship interviews and naturalization ceremonies.
A woman in the waiting area expressed her trepidation over the cancellation, fearing it was due to her hijab. A father, hoping to celebrate his citizenship with family, departed in distress, their plans now uncertain. Many shared a feeling of dread over how this delay could affect their lives and futures, particularly when some have waited years to reach this milestone.
The disappointment was palpable as the office staff promised to reschedule the ceremony for November 1st, but uncertainty loomed over whether this would occur due to the ongoing shutdown. The situation reflects the broader anxiety of immigrants who have navigated the complex immigration process, eagerly awaiting to embrace their new identity as American citizens.
The USCIS has acknowledged the unfavorable impact of these delays, stating, We regret any negative impacts but must ensure it complies with the law. However, it remains unclear how many other ceremonies and interviews are affected across the country as the agency does not provide comprehensive cancellation data.
With the deadline for resolving funding issues approaching, immigrants remain in a state of limbo. The long-standing conflict between political parties has significant repercussions on the lives of individuals aspiring to make the United States their permanent home, highlighting the tangible effects of a stalled legislative process on those seeking the American dream.
