Government Shutdown Cancels US Citizenship Ceremonies for Dozens at Last Minute

US Citizenship Ceremonies Canceled Due to Government Shutdown A dozen individuals who had gathered at a US immigration office in Virginia on Saturday morning were left disappointed when they learned that their citizenship ceremonies had been canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. The group, comprised of people born worldwide, had arrived at the office clutching naturalization notices and small American flags. They were expecting to take the final step in becoming American citizens by raising their right hands and swearing the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. However, a staff member at the check-in desk informed them that the ceremony had been canceled. "We should have been notified," said one of the applicants, who wished to remain anonymous. "We didn't receive any emails or phone calls. The staff at the entrance let us in without warning." The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website was temporarily down when the applicants checked it later that day. When it came back online, their appointments had been canceled due to "unforeseen circumstances." If not for checking the website themselves, they would have remained unaware of the cancellation. Background on the issue reveals that the government shutdown has caused disruptions in various government services, including immigration and citizenship processing. The USCIS website explains that due to the lapse in appropriations, some services may be delayed or canceled. According to USCIS officials, applicants who had their ceremonies canceled will receive notification when new dates are available. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public's patience during this time," said a spokesperson for USCIS. The government shutdown has been ongoing since December 22, with no clear end in sight. Its impact on various government services continues to be felt, affecting not only citizenship ceremonies but also other essential functions such as food assistance programs and national parks. As the shutdown persists, applicants who had their ceremonies canceled are left waiting for new dates. "We understand that this is an uncertain time for many of our applicants," said a USCIS official. "We will do everything in our power to minimize disruptions and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to become a US citizen." The current status of citizenship ceremonies remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for rescheduling. Applicants are advised to check the USCIS website regularly for updates on their appointment status. In related news, lawmakers continue to negotiate a deal to end the government shutdown. A resolution is expected in the coming days, which may bring relief to applicants affected by the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies. *Reporting by Bbc.*