Katko: Federal naturalization ceremonies should be held remotely to reduce backlog

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in requesting that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) utilize existing authorities under U.S. law to remotely administer naturalization ceremonies or temporarily waive certain requirements for individuals awaiting U.S. citizenship.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in urging USCIS to use available authorities to remotely administer naturalization services during this crisis,” Rep. Katko said on June 5. “Doing so would provide certainty to many immigrant families and prevent further increases to our nation’s pre-existing naturalization backlog.”

Rep. Katko’s request comes as many USCIS offices, such as the Syracuse, N.Y.-based Field Support Office in his district, are providing limited in-person services, in turn creating uncertainty for the 225 individuals in central New York awaiting U.S. citizenship, according to the congressman’s office.

“Given the ongoing public health concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a prudent decision to limit in-person services at USCIS and preserve the safety of personnel and individuals seeking assistance,” said Rep. Katko. “However, as the federal government assesses options for maintaining basic services amid these unprecedented conditions, these efforts should include temporary relief for individuals who have worked for years to become naturalized U.S. citizens and are now unable to do so.”

In their recent letter sent to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, and Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli, Rep. Katko and several colleagues wrote that while they agreed with the decision to limit exposure risks for USCIS personnel and individuals seeking assistance, the continued suspension of in-person services at USCIS offices has stalled the administration of the Oath of Allegiance for many individuals seeking naturalization.

“Postponing naturalization ceremonies for months will exacerbate the current naturalization backlog, which was over 650,000 cases as of September 2019,” the members wrote. “Additionally, leaving approximately 126,000 immigrants — many who have waited years to earn citizenship — unable to naturalize puts them in unnecessary legal limbo.”

Among the members who joined Rep. Katko in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Steve Stivers (R-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Susan Brooks (R-IN), and Troy Balderson (R-OH).

The letter is supported by the Office of New Americans for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, N.Y., and InterFaith Works.