Trump Administration Abruptly Cancels Citizenship Ceremonies Across the U.S.

• Citizenship ceremonies canceled nationwide
• Pause affects immigrants
• Screening processes tightened

According to Telemundo, the administration of Donald Trump abruptly canceled citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries deemed high-risk—a change that has generated confusion and outrage among individuals who were ready to become U.S. citizens.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instructed its employees to immediately halt immigration proceedings for people from the countries included in this new classification, among them Afghanistan, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Somalia.

The measure directly affected several immigrants in Boston, where they were scheduled to take the oath this week at historic Faneuil Hall, a symbolic venue for naturalization ceremonies in Massachusetts.

These individuals were notified that they could not continue the process solely because of their country of origin.

Reactions and citizenship ceremonies canceled nationwide

📌 The Trump Administration abruptly cancels citizenship ceremonies for some immigrants. https://t.co/mPAO4dKUgI

— Noticias Telemundo (@TelemundoNews) December 8, 2025

The situation is not limited to Boston, as similar cancellations are occurring in cities across the country, putting on hold the dreams of many immigrants who spent years completing the requirements for citizenship.

The naturalization ceremony is the final step in the immigration process and represents the culmination of the effort made by applicants who have complied with all deadlines, evaluations, and background checks.

The sudden suspension has caused distress within affected communities.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu expressed outrage over what happened, calling the situation disgraceful and painful for those who expected to complete their journey in a place that symbolizes the country’s founding values.

Citizenship ceremonies canceled under new policies

Wu stressed that Faneuil Hall—where the oath was to be taken—is a space that reflects the United States’ history of freedom and democracy.

Several people reported receiving cancellation notices through an online portal, though the messages provided no details explaining the suspension.

The lack of information has increased uncertainty among those affected, who do not know when they will be able to resume their process or whether they will face an indefinite delay.

USCIS stated that the pause is part of a broader effort to strengthen screening procedures and prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from obtaining immigration benefits.

USCIS justifies suspension on national-security grounds

The agency explained that the measure is part of a new approach implemented from day one of the Trump Administration to protect the integrity of the immigration system.

According to USCIS, the new directives aim to ensure that fraud, deception, or potential threats do not undermine national-security safeguards.

USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow released a statement reiterating the agency’s commitment to enhancing protection through reinforced screening.

Edlow also announced the creation of a screening center headquartered in Atlanta as part of a strategy that increases vetting procedures.

Cancellations fuel uncertainty

According to the statement, the Administration considers the tightening of immigration filters necessary to prevent risks associated with the entry of potential criminals.

Although authorities insist the measure is temporary and driven by security considerations, no specific timeline was provided for resuming naturalization ceremonies.

The lack of clarity has caused anxiety among affected immigrants, many of whom have spent years working to meet all legal requirements for citizenship.

Those affected by these new immigration policies include individuals who have already passed interviews, background checks, and civics exams required to complete the process.

Human impact and affected communities

Now, their plans to become U.S. citizens are suspended with no certainty about the next steps.

In communities with large immigrant populations, the news has generated additional concern among families and support organizations.

The abrupt nature of the cancellations has also triggered discussions about the emotional and economic impact on those who expected to take a decisive step toward legal stability.

For many, citizenship represents the possibility of living without fear of deportation, as well as access to jobs, scholarships, and other benefits—making the citizenship ceremonies canceled policy particularly consequential.