The excitement of obtaining U.S. citizenship should be celebrated. But at a recent ceremony in Boston’s Faneuil Hall, a symbol of American freedom, many hopeful immigrants faced a harsh reality.
Before the event, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) staff asked attendees about their countries of origin. Those from nations under a travel ban, introduced by the Trump administration, were abruptly excluded from the ceremony—even after enduring extensive vetting. This sudden policy shift impacted many, including a Haitian nursing assistant who had lived in the U.S. for nearly 25 years. While she chose not to speak publicly, Gail Breslow, from Project Citizenship, described her devastation and noted that she wasn’t alone.
“The moment when officers asked where people were born, it was gut-wrenching to see some sent away,” Breslow explained. The contrast was stark. Some participants celebrated their newfound citizenship with joyful family photos, while others faced sudden disappointment.
Similar scenes unfolded nationwide as USCIS paused immigration proceedings for nationals from 19 countries on the ban list. This decision followed a tragic incident where an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members. Advocates reported numerous cancellations of oath ceremonies in cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Greg Chen from the American Immigration Lawyers Association pointed out that prohibitions affected not only citizenship ceremonies but also green-card applicants. He emphasized the emotional toll this uncertainty has taken on many. A Libyan doctor, for instance, shared anonymously that despite a decade of hard work in the U.S., his green-card application was suddenly stalled due to his nationality.
Feelings of fear and confusion are widespread among those seeing their paths to citizenship threatened. “Clients have cried, asking what they did wrong,” Breslow noted, highlighting the anxiety felt by many aspiring citizens.
This unrest is particularly pronounced among Afghans. Nearly 200,000 arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome after the 2021 military withdrawal, yet many feel betrayed by policies stemming from a single violent act.
Nicole Melaku, executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, warned that the administration’s current strategy poses risks for legal residents. She drew parallels to historical exclusionary policies, noting that today’s climate feels ominous.
In a striking example of potential repercussions, new guidance from USCIS aims to ramp up denaturalization cases. These cases are aimed at those allegedly involved with criminal activities. Though federal law protects against denaturalization without fraud, the administration is broadening definitions, putting many at risk.
As this situation unfolds, many immigrants and legal residents anxiously await the next wave of announcements. The trust once placed in the promise of the American dream is now shrouded in uncertainty. For many, this isn’t just a policy discussion—it’s about their lives and the dreams they hold dear.
For more insights into immigration trends and statistics, check out the latest ICE and CBP data.
