Cancelation of naturalization ceremonies is 'disturbing to the utmost degree,' Wu says

"Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took to Faneuil Hall Tuesday morning to sharply criticize federal officials after the Trump administration canceled naturalization ceremonies there for people on the verge of gaining their citizenship in recent weeks. Wu called those actions "infuriating" and "disturbing to the utmost degree" during a press conference alongside City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Gail Breslow, executive director of the nonprofit Project Citizenship."

"Breslow decried the "indignity" of immigrants being pulled out of line before their naturalization ceremonies due to their country of origin. So far, 21 Project Citizenship clients have had their ceremonies abruptly cancelled because they are from what the federal government calls "high-risk countries of concern," Breslow said. The specific countries with this designation were outlined in a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump in June."

"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services outlined new policy changes in a memo earlier this month, instructing officials to pause the application process for immigrants from these countries and to re-review applicants on a case-by-case basis. The government cited the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national in justifying the new policies, saying that greater restrictions are needed to improve public safety."

"There are hundreds of other Project Citizenship clients in a sort of "limbo" right now, unsure of how to proceed amid the shifting landscape, Breslow said. The notices that were given to the immigrants who had their naturalization ceremonies canceled said very little, she added. They only cited "unforseen circumstances" and said that further communication would be forthcoming."

Federal officials canceled naturalization ceremonies at Faneuil Hall for immigrants from countries designated as "high-risk," prompting sharp criticism from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Project Citizenship reported that 21 of its clients had ceremonies abruptly canceled and that hundreds more clients remain in limbo. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a memo instructing officials to pause application processing for immigrants from those countries and to re-review applicants on a case-by-case basis. The administration cited a recent shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national as justification for increased restrictions. Notices to affected immigrants cited only "unforseen circumstances" and promised further communication.

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