Press Releases

Pearl River, N.Y. - 11/20/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reverse its recent cancellation of naturalization ceremonies in Rockland and Westchester counties and across New York State. The decision comes following Lawler’s letter to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow and subsequent calls with Director Edlow.

Additional guidance on the restoration of naturalization ceremonies will be forthcoming from USCIS. 

"After raising this issue directly with USCIS and speaking to Director Edlow, I’m pleased to share that the agency will reverse its decision and allow naturalization ceremonies in Rockland and Westchester to resume immediately," stated Congressman Lawler. "Our communities are strengthened by the contributions of new citizens every single day."

"These ceremonies are among the most moving and patriotic events I attend as a public official. Thank you to USCIS and the Director for taking corrective action. For so many new Americans, including my own wife, this moment represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the American Dream. To cancel these ceremonies without warning was unacceptable, and I’m glad USCIS acted quickly to fix it," Congressman Lawler concluded. 

The full letter can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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