Many legal immigrants across the country are experiencing sudden disruptions in the final stages of becoming U.S. citizens — including the cancellation of naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies. These changes stem from recent federal policy shifts and are causing confusion and concern among families who have spent years working toward citizenship.

What’s Happening?

In late 2025, the federal government introduced new restrictions that dramatically alter how some immigrants are processed for U.S. citizenship. According to national reporting:

• Citizenship interviews and oath ceremonies have been cancelled or postponed nationwide, including in communities like San Diego.
• In some cases, individuals who had completed every step toward naturalization — from paperwork and background checks to passing civics tests — were told, sometimes at the doorstep of their ceremony, that it was no longer happening.
• These cancellations are part of a broader policy review and restriction following a recent high-profile national security incident, according to federal officials.

Why This Matters

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a legal milestone that involves many steps. Most immigrants must first live in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) for several years, meet residency and character requirements, pass English and civics tests, and finally take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. No one becomes a U.S. citizen until that oath is taken.

For individuals and families who have followed all of these steps:

• The cancellation of interviews or ceremonies can throw their legal status into limbo. Applicants may have to restart parts of the process, wait longer, or face greater uncertainty about their immigration future.
• Emotional and practical disruption is significant, especially for immigrants who planned their lives — jobs, family stability, voting rights — around the expectation of becoming citizens.

Who Is Affected?

While federal agencies have framed these policy changes as part of increased vetting for national security purposes, many affected immigrants say they have already passed extensive background checks and met all legal requirements for citizenship before their interviews or ceremonies were cancelled.

The policies appear to affect immigrants from certain countries and are being applied in ways that have accelerated uncertainty for people who have already invested years and resources into the citizenship process.

What This Means for Illinois Families

If you or a loved one is in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship:

• Be aware that naturalization interviews and ceremonies may be rescheduled or delayed in light of these federal policy changes.
• Stay in contact with your immigration attorney and make sure that all contact information with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is up to date — notices about changes may come by mail or electronically.

It’s also important to remember that state law does not govern federal immigration proceedings — but changes at the federal level can still create ripple effects for families across Illinois who are planning their futures. If processing delays occur, your overall timeline for citizenship may extend beyond what you originally expected.

Next Steps to Consider

• Check status regularly with the USCIS online case portal or through your legal representative.
• Consult an immigration attorney if your interview or ceremony is canceled — especially if you believe the change wasn’t properly communicated.
• Document all notices and communications from USCIS, including letters about rescheduling or requirement changes.

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