Latest news with #NaturalizationCeremony
CTV News
a day ago
- Politics
- CTV News
U.S. immigrants seeking lawful work and citizenship are now subject to ‘anti-Americanism' screening
A woman clutches a U.S. flag as she and applicants from other countries prepare to take the oath of citizenship in commemoration of Independence Day during a Naturalization Ceremony in San Antonio, July 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) Immigrants seeking a legal pathway to live and work in the United States will now be subject to screening for 'anti-Americanism',' authorities said Tuesday, raising concerns among critics that it gives officers too much leeway in rejecting foreigners based on a subjective judgment. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said officers will now consider whether an applicant for benefits, such as a green card, 'endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused' anti-American, terrorist or antisemitic views. 'America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,' Matthew Tragesser, USCIS spokesman, said in a statement. 'Immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right.' It isn't specified what constitutes anti-Americanism and it isn't clear how and when the directive would be applied. 'The message is that the U.S. and immigration agencies are going to be less tolerant of anti-Americanism or antisemitism when making immigration decisions,' Elizabeth Jacobs, director of regulatory affairs and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that advocates for immigration restrictions, said on Tuesday. Jacobs said the government is being more explicit in the kind of behaviors and practices officers should consider, but emphasized that discretion is still in place. 'The agency cannot tell officers that they have to deny — just to consider it as a negative discretion,' she said. Critics worry the policy update will allow for more subjective views of what is considered anti-American and allow an officer's personal bias to cloud his or her judgment. 'For me, the really big story is they are opening the door for stereotypes and prejudice and implicit bias to take the wheel in these decisions. That's really worrisome,' said Jane Lilly Lopez, associate professor of sociology at Brigham Young University. The policy changes follow others recently implemented since the start of the Trump administration including social media vetting and the most recent addition of assessing applicants seeking naturalization for 'good moral character'. That will not only consider 'not simply the absence of misconduct' but also factor the applicant's positive attributes and contributions. 'It means you are going to just do a whole lot more work to provide evidence that you meet our standards,' Lopez said. Experts disagree on the constitutionality of the policy involving people who are not U.S. citizens and their freedom of speech. Jacobs, of the Center for Immigration Studies, said First Amendment rights do not extend to people outside the U.S. or who are not U.S. citizens. Ruby Robinson, senior managing attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, believes the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution protects all people in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, against government encroachment. 'A lot of this administration's activities infringe on constitutional rights and do need to be resolved, ultimately, in courts,' Robinson added. Attorneys are advising clients to adjust their expectations. 'People need to understand that we have a different system today and a lot more things that apply to U.S. citizens are not going to apply to somebody who's trying to enter the United States,' said Jaime Diez, an immigration attorney based in Brownsville, Texas. Jonathan Grode, managing partner of Green and Spiegel immigration law firm, said the policy update was not unexpected considering how the Trump administration approaches immigration. 'This is what was elected. They're allowed to interpret the rules the way they want,' Grode said. 'The policy always to them is to shrink the strike zone. The law is still the same.' Corey Williams And Valerie Gonzalez, The Associated Press
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Just to be safe;' New Americans say uncertainty as immigrants spurred quest for citizenship
NORTHAMPTON – On a festive July 4, Adela Imul Adjanel shared a sobering reason for becoming a citizen of the United States. 'Just to be safe,' she said. 'I don't give anyone any reason to send me home.' Adjanel, who comes from Guatemala, is 28 and has been in the United States for six years, living in Northampton and working at a job she loves at the River Valley Market. She took her citizenship oath two months ago. But on Friday, Independence Day, she led the Pledge of Allegiance at the 17th annual Naturalization Ceremony hosted by the Center of New Americans on the lawn of the Hampshire County Courthouse downtown. Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson administered the oath. The new citizens hail from 23 countries, from Albania to Vietnam. The naturalization process can take years, requiring interviews and tests of English language proficiency and civics knowledge. The national debate over immigration issues has grown more fraught, as many of the speakers at Friday's ceremony reiterated. President Donald Trump and his administration use tough rhetoric on immigration and have even targeted people with legal residency status, including through 'green cards.' The Trump administration has said it wants to strip citizenship from some naturalized Americans who commit certain crimes. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said Thursday it expected to welcome new citizens in naturalization ceremonies throughout the country over the holiday weekend. The agency said it was proud to welcome new citizens 'who made the right choice to lawfully immigrate, assimilate, and contribute to America's greatness,' said a spokesman, Matthew Tragesser. 'Taking the Oath of Allegiance and embracing U.S. citizenship is a remarkable act of patriotism.' On Friday in Northampton, two women stood on the courthouse lawn holding handmade cardboard signs of support for the new Americans. 'Glad You're here,' said one. 'You belong,' said the other. Harleen Multani, a law clerk at the Center for New Americans, said there has been a surge of immigrants seeking citizenship in the last six months. People with legal status as immigrants want the extra level of assurance that citizenship brings. 'Even people who have had green cards for years are worried,' she said. 'They were comfortable before.' Even after Friday's local ceremony, another 65 aspiring Americans are in the process of seeking citizenship through classes at the center. Three of the 53 who took the oath Friday – and Adjanel, who led the Pledge of Allegiance – are Center for New American alumni, said Laurie Milman, the center's director. They lined up early to register, families and interpreters in tow. Most clutched folders of paperwork. Many gave similar answers when asked why they chose to become American citizens. 'I love America,' said Lien Vu, a Buddhist monk who attended the ceremony in traditional robes. He's originally from Vietnam, having come to the United States 25 years ago. Many said they took the oath so they can vote in American elections. They included Juliette Darmon, who came from France but now lives in North Andover. 'I want to be part of the political process in this country,' she said. France and the United States have a history of seeking democratic goals going back to the American Revolution and through two world wars – liberte fraternite, egalite, after all. 'I think we've gotten away from that,' she said. Betsegaw Gillo's first act as a newly sworn-in U.S. citizen was going to be watching July 4th fireworks with friends and family. Gillo lives in Peabody. He immigrated 15 years ago from Ethiopia with his father. He was just 12 when he came to Massachusetts. 'I feel more American than I do Ethiopian,' Gillo said. Ledion Tafa lives in Worcester, having immigrated from Albania a little over five years ago. For him, taking the oath is the culmination of an adventure. 'I'm at home here,' he said. State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, called the citizenship ceremony an antidote to current events. 'I can't imagine being anywhere else on the Fourth of July,' she said. Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport contractors will pay state over runway defects Lotes en North End considerados para viviendas y negocios White Lion Brewing of Springfield to open 'Pridelands on Mane Street,' a container bar Read the original article on MassLive.
Indianapolis Star
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
People from all over the world become new US citizens in naturalization ceremony
Flags stand ready to be give to people becoming new U.S. citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Juan Camey stands next in line to check in for a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Camey was one of the new citizens coming from Guatemala. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Mayor Joe Hogsett waves to a friend after arriving for a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judge Sarah Evans Barker presides over a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. During the ceremony 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judge Sarah Evans Barker presides over a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. During the ceremony 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar In a packed courtroom, a person reaches for an American flag handed out to participants in a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar In a packed courtroom, people receive American flags handed out to participants in a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Participants in a Naturalization Ceremony receive American flags as a memento, in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Participants in a Naturalization Ceremony, including Ghan Begh, receive American flags as a memento, in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Mayor Joe Hogsett and Sylvia McNair read the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Mitchell Remington plays 'America the Beautiful' during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Sandra Flores, from Mexico, delivers remarks during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Flores was one of the new citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Sandra Flores, from Mexico, delivers remarks during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Flores was one of the new citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judge Sarah Evans Barker presides over a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. During the ceremony 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Whitney Harrison Ebmeyer, great-great-great granddaughter of President Benjamin Harrison, speaks during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Neisha Athe leads the Pledge of Allegiance during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Athe was the youngest new citizen during this ceremony. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar New citizens wave flags as they smile to families and friends during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Sylvia McNair and Mayor Joe Hogsett get ready to hand out sparklers to new citizens, for Judge Sarah Evans Barker, after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judge Sarah Evans Barker, left, hands out naturalization certificates to new citizens after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judgs Sarah Evans Barker hands the naturalization certificate to Carmen Mejia at the end of the Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Mejias was the eldest new citizen in the group. She was presented with a special American flag during the ceremony. Judge Barker asked Mejias how old she was. '71? Wow that's not very old!' said Barker. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar New citizens await their turn to receive their documents, as family and friends watch, at the end of a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judge Sarah Evans Barker, left, hands out naturalization certificates to new citizens after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Judge Sarah Evans Barker, left, hands out naturalization certificates to new citizens after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Elmas Medgebe, left, helps new U.S. citizen Temesgen Gidey to register to vote after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Patriotic cookies are offered for new citizens and their families and friends after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Bolanle Lawal, left, and her friend, Esther Audu, hug after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Audu, from Nigeria, is one of the new citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar New American citizens Esther Audu, left, and Rebecca Akintunde, from Nigeria, smile for photos after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. It took Audu 8 years and Akintunde 7 years to become new citizens in the U.S. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar New U.S. citizen Shubham Pandey, from India, smiles for photos after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Saima Ameer and her husband, Ashhar Madni, take a selfie after a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Ameer became a citizen during the ceremony. She is from Pakistan originally. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Fernanda Robinson, from Brazil, gets her photo taken by her new friend Marta Bonirna, from El Salvador, after they both became new citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Fernanda Robinson, from Brazil, left, and her new friend Marta Bonirna, from El Salvador, look at photos after they both became new citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony in the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Rebecca Akintunde, from left, Bolanle Lawal, and Esther Audu, all originally from Nigeria, dance and sing a gospel song, in their native language, in front of the Federal Courthouse, Thursday, July 3, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis. In Yoruba, a language in Nigeria, they thanked and praised God. Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over a naturalization ceremony in which 90 people from 33 countries became new U.S. citizens. Akintunde and Audu became new citizens during the event. It took Audu 8 years and Akintunde 7 years to become new citizens in the U.S. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
20 new citizens sworn in at Jackson courthouse
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The American dream became a reality for nearly two dozen people. Twenty people were sworn-in on Thursday, April 17 during a Naturalization Ceremony at the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Jackson. 'Really exciting and happy, because when I came 23 years ago, I have my dreams, you know, and now I realize in my dreams. I have my American dream because my three kids, they already finished their school, the university,' said Liliam Camacho, a new American citizen. The new citizens had to pass a series of tests, interviews and background checks. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
