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USCIS Halts Citizenship Ceremonies Amid Government Shutdown

10/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

USCIS canceled citizenship ceremonies nationwide amid the government shutdown, citing unforeseen circumstances.
On October 14 in Virginia, hopeful citizens learned ceremonies were canceled without prior notification.
Director Joseph Edlow of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says the agency remains operational.
Public-facing services such as naturalization ceremonies face delays.
The shutdown began on October 1 and has affected over 700,000 federal workers, causing widespread disruption across federal services.

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Story summary

USCIS canceled citizenship ceremonies nationwide amid the government shutdown, citing unforeseen circumstances.
On October 14 in Virginia, hopeful citizens learned ceremonies were canceled without prior notification.
Director Joseph Edlow of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says the agency remains operational.
Public-facing services such as naturalization ceremonies face delays.
The shutdown began on October 1 and has affected over 700,000 federal workers, causing widespread disruption across federal services.