James Demands Answers Over Canceled Citizenship Swear-Ins

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James is throwing down with federal immigration authorities after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) blindsided communities across the state by canceling naturalization ceremonies. The abrupt move impacts ceremonies scheduled in Broome, Onondaga, Rockland, Schenectady, Tompkins, Washington, and Westchester counties, leaving hundreds of would-be citizens in a bureaucratic purgatory.

James fired off a scathing letter to USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow, demanding immediate clarification and a reversal of the decision. The Attorney General’s office is characterizing the cancellations as a callous disregard for the significance of becoming a U.S. citizen and the logistical nightmare it creates for families.

“Taking the oath of allegiance isn’t just paperwork; it’s a sacred moment for new citizens and their communities,” James wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Grimy Times. “For years, New Yorkers have celebrated this milestone with loved ones, in the places they’ve built their lives. This sudden change reeks of incompetence and a lack of respect.”

County officials and local leaders are reportedly furious, claiming they received little to no notice and no explanation for the cancellations. The move comes amidst ongoing federal budget battles and raises questions about whether the cancellations are a temporary consequence of the recent government shutdown or a permanent policy shift. James is demanding answers to these questions, giving USCIS a December 4, 2025 deadline to respond.

Specifically, James wants to know if the cancellations are permanent or temporary, the precise impact of the government shutdown (if any), and what USCIS is doing to prevent delays in processing citizenship applications. She’s also pressing for details on how the agency intends to address the disruption caused to families and communities. The Attorney General’s office is prepared to escalate the matter if USCIS fails to provide satisfactory answers.

Grimy Times has reached out to USCIS for comment but has yet to receive a response. This is a developing story, and we’ll continue to follow it closely as the battle between New York’s top law enforcement official and the federal immigration agency unfolds. The cancellations are particularly galling to immigrant advocates, who argue that naturalization ceremonies are a vital symbol of inclusion and a cornerstone of the American dream.

RELATED: GoFundMe Accused of Charity Scam: 1.4M Fake Pages

RELATED: xAI Urged to Act on Grok Chatbot’s Inappropriate Images