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Original Date Announced
August 29, 2025USCIS updates its policy manual to clarify that only state and local election officials are permitted to offer voter- registration services after administrative naturalization ceremonies. The update addresses voter-registration officials' responsibilities, prohibits political activity during naturalization ceremonies, and provides an updated list of materials allowed to be distributed.
Trump 2.0 [ID #1960]
2025.08.29 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part J.5 - Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies 2025.08.29 USCIS Policy Alert - Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies 2025.08.29 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part J.1 - Purpose and BackgroundEffective Date
August 29, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
November 7, 20252025.11.07 Complaint - National Council of Jewish Women v. USCIS
The National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section (NCJW) filed suit to challenge the August 29, 2025 policy, which it terms the "Voter Assistance Ban." The NCJW argues that the ban prevents civic organizations, like itself, from helping new citizens register to vote. The complaint asserts that the ban is not based on credible policy justifications but is rather part of a broader, discriminatory effort to suppress the electoral power of naturalized citizens. It argues the ban violates the First Amendment, Fifth Amendment, and Administrative Procedure Act, and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. National Council of Jewish Women v. USCIS, No. 8:25-cv-03675 (D. Md.).
**Link to case here. Our litigation entries generally report only the initial complaint and any major substantive filings or decisions. For additional information, CourtListener provides access to PACER and all available pleadings. Other sites that track litigation in more detail or organize cases by topic include Civil Rights Clearinghouse, Justice Action Center, National Immigration Litigation Alliance, and Just Security**
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: NaturalizationAgencies Affected: USCISAssociated or Derivative Policies
Pre Trump-Era Policies
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July 19, 2025
Now-superseded version of USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 12 Part J.1 - Purpose and Background. The updated version clarifies that the Oath of Allegiance marks the final step of naturalization. By signing the application during the naturalization interview, applicants affirm their readiness to take the oath and assume the duties of citizenship. The update also includes information on the history of the Oath of Allegiance.
2025.07.18 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part J.1 - Purpose and Background -
July 29, 2025
Now-superseded version of USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 12 Part J.5 - Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies. The updated version adds additional materials that can be distributed during naturalization ceremonies and removes civic leaders from the list of allowed guest speakers. It also clarifies that nongovernmental entities are no longer permitted to provide voter-registration services at USCIS facilities during naturalization ceremonies.
2025.07.29 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part J.5 - Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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