Imagine this: You’ve lived in the United States for over a decade. You’ve filed every form, paid every fee, passed your civics test, and cleared your background check. You’ve done everything right. Then, on the day you’re supposed to raise your hand and finally become a U.S. citizen, you’re told to go home. No ceremony. No explanation. Just a cancellation notice, or worse, no notice at all.
This is the reality for thousands of immigrants right now.
As of January 2026, the administration has suspended naturalization oath ceremonies and halted all immigration case adjudication for applicants from 39 countries. If you or someone you love is caught in this limbo, here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Is Happening?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has directed its employees to stop final adjudication on all cases and cease completing any oath ceremonies for applicants from a growing list of designated countries. This isn’t just affecting pending applications, it’s impacting individuals who have already passed their naturalization interviews, cleared background checks, and were literally days or hours away from becoming citizens.
The suspension initially targeted nationals from 19 countries. That list has now expanded to 39 countries, with both full and partial restrictions in place depending on nationality and case type.
Let’s be clear about what this means in practice:
- Naturalization ceremonies are being cancelled, sometimes with little to no advance notice
- Green card interviews are being postponed indefinitely for affected nationals
- Applicants who have already been approved are being pulled from naturalization lines at USCIS field offices
- Some people have shown up to their scheduled ceremonies only to discover their appointments were cancelled in the system without any formal written explanation
The pause will remain in effect until the USCIS director issues guidance to lift it. Any exceptions require approval from the USCIS Director or Deputy Director, meaning there’s no clear timeline for when processing will resume.
Who Is Affected by the Citizenship Oath Suspension?
The suspension extends to all immigration applications filed by nationals of the 39 affected countries, regardless of when they entered the United States. This includes:
- Lawful permanent residents applying for naturalization
- Green card applicants with pending interviews
- Individuals in the final stages of other immigration benefits
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the U.S. for 5 years or 25 years. It doesn’t matter if you’ve built a business, raised American children, or served your community. If you’re a national of one of the designated countries, your case is frozen.
Immigration attorneys across the country are reporting widespread disruptions. Miami-based immigration attorney Wilfredo Allen shared that several of his clients have had interviews and ceremonies postponed, including two individuals who had lived in the U.S. for more than 15 years and were awaiting eligibility for Spanish-language naturalization exams.
These aren’t statistics. These are real people whose lives have been put on hold.
Why Is This Happening?
The administration has framed this as a national security measure. The policy was implemented following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan evacuee. Officials have justified the pause as necessary while additional vetting reviews are conducted.
However, it’s important to understand the broader context. This suspension is part of a larger pattern of increased scrutiny on immigration from certain regions. Earlier policy changes, including the suspension of immigrant visas from 75 countries based on public assistance criteria, signal a shift toward more restrictive immigration enforcement across the board.
Whether you agree with these security concerns or not, the reality on the ground is that thousands of people who have followed every rule are now trapped in bureaucratic uncertainty.
The Emotional and Legal Impact
Let’s talk about what this actually feels like for the people living through it.
The emotional toll is immense. Many of these applicants have spent years, sometimes decades, building their lives in the United States. They’ve invested thousands of dollars in legal fees and application costs. They’ve studied for their civics tests, gathered documents, and prepared for one of the most meaningful moments of their lives: the day they would officially become American citizens.
To have that taken away at the last moment, without warning or explanation, is devastating.
But beyond the emotional impact, there are serious legal implications to consider:
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Continuous residence requirements: If you’re stuck in limbo and travel internationally, you could potentially disrupt the continuous residence requirement for naturalization. Immigration attorneys strongly recommend that affected applicants avoid international travel while their cases are frozen.
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Expiring work permits: Some individuals may have employment authorization documents (EADs) that expire during this pause, creating additional complications for their ability to work legally.
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Family separation: Delayed citizenship can affect your ability to petition for family members, potentially extending separation from loved ones abroad.
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Uncertainty about future policy changes: There’s no guarantee that the rules won’t change again while you’re waiting, potentially creating new obstacles.
What Should You Do If You’re Affected?
If you’re a national of one of the 39 affected countries and your naturalization ceremony has been cancelled, or you’re worried it might be, here’s our advice:
1. Don’t Panic, But Do Take Action
The worst thing you can do right now is nothing. While you can’t control USCIS policy, you can make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes next.
2. Consult With an Immigration Lawyer
This is not the time to go it alone. An experienced immigration attorney can help you:
- Understand exactly how this suspension affects your specific case
- Review your options and potential next steps
- Monitor for policy updates and exceptions
- Ensure you don’t take any actions (like international travel) that could jeopardize your case
If you’ve been wondering why you should hire an immigration lawyer, this situation is a prime example. The stakes are too high and the rules are changing too quickly to navigate without professional guidance.
3. Avoid International Travel
We cannot stress this enough. Do not travel internationally while your case is frozen. Leaving the country could disrupt your continuous residence requirement and create additional complications when processing eventually resumes.
4. Document Everything
Keep records of any communications from USCIS, including cancellation notices (or lack thereof). If you showed up to a ceremony that was cancelled without notice, document the date, time, and what you were told. This information could be important later.
5. Stay Informed
Immigration policy is evolving rapidly. Make sure you’re getting your information from reliable sources, your attorney, official USCIS announcements, and trusted immigration law firms like ours.
How Badmus & Associates Can Help
At Badmus & Associates, we understand how frustrating and frightening this situation is. You did everything right, and now you’re being told to wait indefinitely for a ceremony you’ve already earned.
We’re here to help you navigate this uncertainty.
Our team is actively monitoring developments related to the USCIS 39 countries pause and the broader suspension of naturalization ceremonies. We’re committed to:
- Keeping our clients informed about policy changes as they happen
- Providing personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances
- Advocating for your rights throughout this process
- Helping you prepare for when processing resumes
Whether you’re directly affected by this suspension or you’re concerned about how shifting immigration policies might impact your future, we encourage you to reach out to our team for a consultation.
The Bigger Picture
This suspension is a stark reminder that immigration law in the United States is unpredictable. Policies can change quickly, and even applicants who have done everything correctly can find themselves caught in the crossfire of shifting political priorities.
If there’s one takeaway from this situation, it’s this: having experienced legal counsel on your side isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
The path to citizenship has always been challenging. Right now, it’s more uncertain than ever. But you don’t have to face that uncertainty alone.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. If you’re affected by the citizenship oath suspension or have questions about your immigration case, please contact an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your individual situation.
Have questions? Contact Badmus & Associates today to speak with someone who can help.
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