Story perspectives

USCIS Faces Backlash for Denying Citizenship in Boston

12/11/2025

Center

USCIS Citizenship Controversy

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) staff questioned attendees about their countries of origin at Boston citizenship ceremonies and turned away some.
A Haitian woman represented by Project Citizenship was denied her oath ceremony on December 4.
Legal experts and advocacy groups say the actions reflect a broader strategy targeting people from 19 high-risk countries.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the actions as un-American.

Left

Trump Targets Immigration

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration imposed restrictions that canceled thousands of naturalization ceremonies.
Jane, an immigrant from the Republic of Congo, was one month from her ceremony.
Legal experts say cancellations reflect a broader strategy targeting legal immigration across 19 designated countries.
The changes have caused anxiety and confusion among applicants who completed extensive processes.
Critics argue these policies discourage legal immigration and may increase vulnerability for green card holders.

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USCIS Citizenship Controversy

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) staff questioned attendees about their countries of origin at Boston citizenship ceremonies and turned away some.
A Haitian woman represented by Project Citizenship was denied her oath ceremony on December 4.
Legal experts and advocacy groups say the actions reflect a broader strategy targeting people from 19 high-risk countries.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the actions as un-American.

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