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Original Date Announced
June 28, 2017USCIS revises policy guidance for naturalization ceremonies. The new guidance (Part J of Volume 12 of USCIS's Policy Manual) outlines the activities that are considered appropriate "voter registration services" and establishes a 60-day time period for NGOs to submit requests to USCIS for providing such services. It also underscores that NGOs cannot alter completed voter registrations or collect personal information for those who register. It also reaffirms the political neutrality of naturalization ceremonies. [ID #605]
USCIS Policy Alert (PA-2017-02): Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies USCIS Practice ManualEffective Date
June 28, 2017Biden Administration Action: Modified
August 25, 20232023.08.25 USCIS Updates Voter Registration Guidance for Naturalization Ceremonies
This Biden administration policy modifies in part the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On August 25, 2023, USCIS issued policy guidance clarifying voter registration access at administrative naturalization ceremonies. It provides that election officials will be requested to attend ceremonies to distribute, collect, and review voter registration applications, and to officially register new citizens to vote. It affirms that USCIS offices coordinate with non-partisan, non-governmental organizations for voter registration services when election officials are not available. It also provides that, to the extent feasible, governmental or non-governmental organizations offering on-site voter registration services will be invited to introduce themselves and address the naturalization candidates before the ceremony. This guidance is immediately effective.
USCIS created Form N-401, Voter Registration Services Attestation, for non-governmental agencies to submit a one-time request per field office to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Modified
August 25, 2023N-401 Voter Registration Services Attestation
For consistency and efficiency, USCIS also created Form N-401, Voter Registration Services Attestation, for non-governmental agencies to submit a one-time request per field office to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies.
View DocumentCurrent Status
Fully in EffectMost Recent Action
August 25, 2023 Action: Modified N-401 Voter Registration Services AttestationAugust 25, 2023Acted on by Biden Administration
August 25, 2023Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: CitizenshipAgencies Affected: USCIS