Thousands of individuals are choosing to become United States citizens, embracing what many describe as the profound act of integrating into American society, even as the path to naturalization becomes increasingly challenging. This journey, often marked by years of dedication and perseverance, culminates in a celebratory ceremony where new citizens pledge their allegiance, symbolizing a fresh start and a deeper connection to their adopted nation. These events, while joyous, also underscore the complex and evolving landscape of immigration policies, which have introduced new hurdles for aspiring Americans.
On a particularly chilly Tuesday in January, Florencia Paz, originally from Italy and Argentina, stood in line at the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. With her infant in a stroller and her toddler restless, she was filled with excitement for the impending naturalization ceremony. Just two hours later, Paz emerged from the courthouse as an American citizen, having joined 103 others from 40 different countries in taking the oath. After 13 years in the United States, she expressed immense joy and profound relief, highlighting her mental and emotional transformation into an American, despite not being native-born. Her experience, she believes, resonates with many others who have chosen this path.
NPR's observations at three naturalization ceremonies in the Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia areas revealed a common thread of celebration, yet these events occurred against a backdrop of significant changes in the naturalization process. One major shift has been the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) decision to pause the processing of immigration applications, including naturalizations, for individuals from 39 countries facing travel restrictions. This policy has led to a noticeable decrease in the number of people naturalized at ceremonies, as noted by Barbara Zia of the League of Women Voters, who typically registers new citizens to vote. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser defended these measures, emphasizing the agency's commitment to rigorous screening and vetting processes.
For many, becoming a citizen is the culmination of a decades-long endeavor, while for others, it's a more recent pursuit driven by a desire for belonging, security, or expanded opportunities. Nicole Melaku, executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, stressed the numerous benefits of citizenship, including improved job prospects, homeownership, and the ability to run for office, labeling it as a vital act of inclusion for the broader community. The diversity at these ceremonies was evident, with new citizens hailing from nations like El Salvador, Ukraine, and India, all contributing to the rich tapestry of American life.
The Trump administration's tenure has been marked by efforts to tighten immigration regulations, making the pursuit of citizenship more arduous. Judge John F. Anderson, presiding over a ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, acknowledged the new citizens from countries on the recently expanded immigrant visa ban list, such as Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, and Nepal. Zaida Meza from Guatemala, who had lived in the U.S. for 21 years, recounted saving for years to afford legal assistance for her application. She considered herself fortunate to have been approved before the new bans, driven by a desire to vote and her deep appreciation for the country. The administration has also introduced a more challenging civics test, considered an immigrant's use of public benefits as a factor in status denial, halted green card and citizenship applications for numerous countries, and renewed focus on denaturalization—a process of revoking citizenship that was rarely used previously. Tragesser defended these changes as necessary to ensure thorough screening, contrasting them with what he described as the previous administration's "rubber-stamping" of applications.
Additionally, naturalization ceremonies have faced numerous disruptions. A government shutdown led to widespread cancellations from October to mid-November, and many other ceremonies have been postponed or canceled without clear explanations, leaving applicants in uncertainty. Karim Hamouda from Egypt experienced multiple cancellations before finally taking his oath in January. Cori Alonso-Yoder, director of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, highlighted the considerable anxiety faced by her clients during the process, with some even fearing arrest during citizenship interviews. Despite these challenges, Alonso-Yoder affirmed that the ceremonies demonstrate an enduring commitment among thousands to become American citizens and engage in the nation's civic life. David Diemert from Canada, who applied for naturalization last March after residing in the U.S. since 2001, expressed that obtaining citizenship provided him with a sense of security and alleviated anxiety, allowing him to build a stable future in a country he believes should uphold its ideals.
The journey to becoming a U.S. citizen, often a long and complex endeavor, continues to be a testament to the enduring appeal of the American dream for thousands worldwide. Despite recent policy shifts and an increasingly stringent application process, individuals from diverse backgrounds remain committed to integrating into American society. These ceremonies represent not just a legal status change, but a profound personal achievement and a hopeful step towards a future built on civic participation and belonging.