(ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK) Residents of Ulster and Dutchess counties who expected to become U.S. citizens this month are facing fresh uncertainty amid reports that USCIS cancels citizenship ceremonies in parts of upstate New York and offers little public detail about what comes next. While federal officials have confirmed that naturalization events were called off in Broome, Onondaga, Rockland, Schenectady, Tompkins, Washington, and Westchester counties, people in Ulster and Dutchess say they are still trying to find out whether their own long‑planned ceremonies are affected or simply delayed.
Background: the local dispute and rising uncertainty
The confusion follows months of tension between local clerks and federal immigration authorities over how and where naturalization ceremonies should take place. In one closely watched case, Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall was at the center of a dispute described in local coverage as a fight to “get the green light after Feds flip” on holding ceremonies.
That earlier clash did not clearly spell out what happened to specific events in Ulster and Dutchess. It has now taken on new urgency as would‑be citizens watch ceremonies in other counties suddenly vanish from court calendars.
Why the cancellations matter
Naturalization ceremonies are the final step in a long process that can take years. Applicants often spend months waiting for:
- an interview and security checks, and
- a subsequent date to take the oath.
When USCIS cancels citizenship ceremonies with little warning, people who have already passed every test are left in limbo. Consequences include:
- Inability to vote
- Potentially being unable to take certain jobs that require citizenship
- Difficulty explaining the delay to employers, schools, or family members abroad
For many in Ulster and Dutchess, that limbo now feels very real, even if their own ceremony dates have not yet been formally confirmed or withdrawn.
Who has been affected (counties confirmed)
The following counties have had naturalization events called off, according to federal confirmations:
| County |
|---|
| Broome |
| Onondaga |
| Rockland |
| Schenectady |
| Tompkins |
| Washington |
| Westchester |
Residents of Ulster and Dutchess report uncertainty about whether their local events will follow the same pattern.
State-level response
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has stepped into disputes over canceled ceremonies elsewhere in the state. Her office has pushed back when local or federal actions appeared to block eligible residents from becoming citizens in a timely way, arguing that last‑minute cancellations can unfairly shut people out of full civic life.
Although her recent public statements have focused on the list of counties where cancellations were clearly documented, advocates say the same concerns apply in Ulster and Dutchess, where lack of clear information can be just as damaging as an outright “no.”
How ceremonies are organized and why disputes matter
Analysis by VisaVerge.com highlights that cancellations across multiple New York counties raise questions about local vs. federal control over ceremony logistics.
- In some communities, ceremonies are held in county courthouses or other local buildings, with clerks coordinating logistics.
- In others, USCIS runs the events directly.
When disputes arise — over security, politics, or scheduling — the people who pay the price are almost always the applicants, who have no say in where their ceremony is held but see everything change with a single federal decision.
Real-world impacts on applicants
For applicants in Ulster and Dutchess, the practical impact can be severe:
- Some people plan travel for elderly parents to witness the oath.
- Others arrange time off work or accept jobs contingent on proof of citizenship.
- Delays can lead to lost wages, missed school enrollment deadlines, or postponed family reunions.
Even when a ceremony is eventually rescheduled, the interim consequences can be significant.
Official guidance and the information gap
Federal officials have pointed people to the agency’s main guidance on naturalization events and say ceremony information will be updated as changes occur. The U.S. government’s official description of the process, including what happens at the oath and how to confirm details, is posted on the USCIS naturalization ceremonies page.
However, that national overview does not answer the specific question worrying residents of Ulster and Dutchess: Are the local events they have waited months to attend still on, already canceled, or stuck in a silent review?
Communication breakdown and legal concerns
The lack of direct answers has sent many would‑be citizens back and forth between USCIS, county clerks, and local courts. People in Ulster may hear that neighboring counties had ceremonies pulled with little explanation and fear the same thing is happening locally.
Immigration lawyers say the pattern across New York highlights a wider problem: communication about naturalization ceremonies is often weak even in normal times, and becomes more strained when political or legal conflicts arise. Applicants in Ulster and Dutchess are left to piece together information from scattered local stories, limited official statements, and short notices that may not reach everyone affected.
For people who have already passed their civics and English tests and fulfilled other requirements, being kept at arm’s length just one step short of citizenship can feel especially painful.
Advocates emphasize that legal rights of would‑be citizens do not fully kick in until the oath is taken. That means someone who has completed every step except the ceremony still cannot:
- vote,
- sponsor certain relatives, or
- claim protections reserved for citizens only.
If USCIS cancels citizenship ceremonies without providing prompt new dates, critics say the agency may be meeting formal rules while failing the spirit of its mission to welcome new Americans fairly and predictably.
What applicants in Ulster and Dutchess should do now
Local lawyers and community groups urge applicants to take the following steps:
- Keep all address information current with USCIS.
- Monitor agency notice letters closely — read any mail or email from USCIS promptly.
- Check official online updates regularly, including the USCIS page linked above.
- Stay in touch with county clerks and local court offices for any local scheduling notices.
- Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or local advocacy group if deadlines or employment issues arise.
These steps cannot undo prior cancellations, but they may reduce the risk of missing a rescheduled ceremony date if and when it is announced.
What to watch next
Residents are watching how Attorney General Letitia James and county officials such as Bradford Kendall respond. Many hope that increased public pressure and clearer communication will bring answers for people whose lives are on hold just one step short of citizenship.
USCIS canceled naturalization ceremonies in seven upstate New York counties, prompting uncertainty for Ulster and Dutchess residents awaiting local events. Those who passed tests may still be unable to vote or accept citizenship‑restricted jobs. New York Attorney General Letitia James and local officials press for clearer explanations. Applicants should keep contact details current, watch USCIS notices, and stay in touch with county clerks or legal advocates to reduce disruption from possible rescheduling.
