Congressman Mike Lawler announced that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reverse its recent decision to cancel naturalization ceremonies in Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as across New York State. This reversal follows a letter from Lawler to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow and subsequent discussions between the congressman and the director.
USCIS is expected to provide additional guidance regarding the restoration of these ceremonies.
“After raising this issue directly with USCIS and speaking to Director Edlow, I’m pleased to share that the agency will reverse its decision and allow naturalization ceremonies in Rockland and Westchester to resume immediately,” stated Congressman Lawler. “Our communities are strengthened by the contributions of new citizens every single day.”
Lawler further commented on the significance of these events: “These ceremonies are among the most moving and patriotic events I attend as a public official. Thank you to USCIS and the Director for taking corrective action. For so many new Americans, including my own wife, this moment represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the American Dream. To cancel these ceremonies without warning was unacceptable, and I’m glad USCIS acted quickly to fix it,” Congressman Lawler concluded.
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties north of New York City. He has been recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members and was rated as the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.
