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The Trump administration has canceled citizenship ceremonies in several counties in Central New York, including Onondaga County, citing that county courts do not meet legal requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the transition from judicial to administrative ceremonies to ensure compliance with federal law.
According to WSYR-TV, Onondaga County Clerk Emily Bersani confirmed the cancellation of a ceremony planned for Wednesday (November 19). The status of future events, including the New Americans Day at the New York State Fair in 2026, remains uncertain.
A spokesperson for USCIS explained that the decision was made after reviewing the jurisdiction of certain county courts, determining they do not meet the statutory requirements for conducting naturalization ceremonies. The federal court's Northern District of New York still has ceremonies scheduled, as reported by RochesterFirst.
The change has sparked concern among local officials and residents. Critics argue that halting these ceremonies undermines the process of citizenship and the values of fairness and opportunity. They urge the USCIS and the federal administration to reconsider their decision and resume naturalization ceremonies in the region.