Green Card Holders File Suit Against Federal Government Over Citizenship Delays
Fourteen green card holders have taken legal action against the federal government, alleging unjust denials of their naturalization applications despite fulfilling all necessary criteria. They seek judicial intervention to compel officials to schedule a date for their naturalization ceremony.
Background of the Plaintiffs
All plaintiffs are legal permanent residents from Haiti, Venezuela, and Ivory Coast, currently eligible for U.S. citizenship. They have completed the application process and are clients of Project Citizenship, a nonprofit based in Boston that provides immigration legal services.
Impact on Careers and Lives
This legal challenge could have significant repercussions for numerous individuals aspiring to work in positions that either prioritize or explicitly require U.S. citizenship. Anna McDougall, a law student at Harvard Law School’s Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program and representative of the plaintiffs, emphasized the broader implications of this situation.
Government Agencies Named in Lawsuit
The lawsuit targets multiple federal agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with associated local and state officials.
Concerns Over Discriminatory Practices
Last year, USCIS instructed its officials to halt the evaluation of entry routes for individuals from countries categorized as “high risk.” Gail Breslow, executive director of Project Citizenship, asserted that this policy appears to discriminate against individuals based on their nationality rather than relevant factors such as race or religion.
Allegations of Procedural Errors
The plaintiffs allege that the government has not only made procedural errors but has also enacted discriminatory practices by placing holds on immigration benefit applications from 39 countries, including the ones represented in this case. They are asking a federal judge to mandate that USCIS either decides on their applications or schedules their swearing-in ceremonies.
Naturalization Process Overview
After submitting a naturalization application, applicants undergo a rigorous process, which includes background checks, a biometric evaluation that requires fingerprinting, interviews, citizenship assessments, and an English language test. USCIS is obligated to render a decision within 120 days. Successful applicants can then take the oath of citizenship either at an immigration office or during public ceremonies, typically held at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall.
Recent Developments and Legislative Response
In December, GBH News reported that several green card holders were turned away from their naturalization ceremonies at Faneuil Hall due to issues related to their country of origin. The cancellation of these ceremonies has led to heightened stress and anxiety among affected individuals. In response, Senator Ed Markey has proposed legislation aimed at enhancing protections for immigrants who have completed the naturalization process but have faced delays or denials. USCIS has defended its actions, stating that current vetting measures are inadequate and pose a national security risk. The complaint further alleges that USCIS has provided vague explanations for processing delays, attributing them to ‘unforeseen circumstances.’
Citizenship Statistics
According to USCIS data, nearly 24,000 individuals were naturalized in Massachusetts during the fiscal year 2024, highlighting the ongoing complexities within the naturalization process in the state.
