DHS will not participate in naturalization ceremonies in sanctuary cities
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that they will no longer participate in naturalization ceremonies in state, county, and city venues that have adopted sanctuary policies. These policies limit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. This decision was communicated to employees at every field office of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in a recent email.
According to the directive, USCIS will no longer collaborate with state and local entities for administrative ceremonies. Instead, they will host the ceremonies at their offices, privately-owned venues, or other federally owned/operated spaces. If a sanctuary city requests to host a ceremony, USCIS has instructed its employees to politely decline the invitation.
This change means that if a city like Los Angeles wanted to host a naturalization ceremony at a library, museum, or school, USCIS would not participate, leading to the event being unable to take place. These ceremonies are crucial as they mark the final step towards becoming a U.S. citizen, where individuals take the Oath of Allegiance.
A senior DHS official expressed concerns about sanctuary policies, stating that they put the public and law enforcement at risk. The official emphasized that these policies are an insult to the Constitution, endanger law enforcement, and leave law-abiding American citizens vulnerable to criminal aliens. The official added that America still welcomes those who come here legally and complete the naturalization process, but USCIS will only conduct ceremonies in locations where the rule of law is respected.
It is important to note that this change will not impact an individual’s chance of becoming a naturalized American citizen. USCIS reassured that the process will continue, albeit in different locations.
The Trump administration has been vocal in targeting sanctuary cities as part of its immigration enforcement efforts. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces immigration laws nationwide but relies on state and local cooperation. However, some jurisdictions choose to ignore requests from ICE to hold criminal illegal immigrants, releasing them back into the community.
In response to sanctuary policies, the Trump administration has considered cutting federal funding to cities that adopt such measures. This move aims to use funding as leverage against jurisdictions that hinder deportation efforts.
Overall, the decision by DHS to no longer participate in naturalization ceremonies in sanctuary cities reflects the ongoing debate over immigration policies and enforcement. It underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that immigration processes are carried out in accordance with federal guidelines.
