Confusion continues over naturalization ceremonies
Naturalization ceremonies have been canceled in several New York counties, causing confusion and disappointment.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is urging the federal government to reverse these cancellations, which affect counties like Schenectady and Washington. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department sent emails to some county clerks advising against proceeding with upcoming ceremonies.
Yaneth Flores, who became a U.S. citizen last summer, wants others to have the same opportunity. “She said it’s absurd because the whole point of citizenship is that you study and you learn along the way,” said a translator for Flores.
“And when you start closing off every avenue of their ability to become naturalized citizens, then you are basically going against the tradition that we have always accepted in this country that we are a country of immigrants,” said Dan Irizarry, founder of Capital District Latinos.
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Schenectady County Clerk Cara Ackerley expressed concern over the lack of explanation for the cancellations. “We haven’t ever received an order, the likes of this. So it was a first time for me,” she said..
Albany County Clerk Bruce Hidley noted that his county’s ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 23 and is still set to proceed. “And when you reach that point, and you’ve gone through everything you’ve gone through, and then you have to stop, that’s disheartening,” said Hidley.
Flores, who has worked at Capital District Latinos for four years, finds joy in helping others assimilate into their new country.
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