Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yy4dHm_RAo
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joined with Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni and County Clerk–Elect Tom Roach in calling on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reverse its decision to cancel the November 12 naturalization ceremony in Westchester County, and to halt all future ceremonies traditionally held within the County.
Earlier this week, the Westchester County Clerk’s Office, under Idoni’s leadership, formally wrote to USCIS expressing deep concern over the abrupt cancellation and the newly announced discontinuation of naturalization ceremonies in Westchester. The letter emphasized the significant impact this decision will have on County residents.
Jenkins said: “For years, naturalization ceremonies in Westchester County have been an essential service for our residents. We are home to a diverse and growing immigrant population, and these ceremonies provide a local, accessible and dignified path for new Americans. Discontinuing them creates real barriers for families already balancing work, childcare and other responsibilities. We urge USCIS to reconsider and work with us to restore these critical opportunities.”
Idoni said: “Naturalization in Westchester is more than a formality it is a celebration of who we are as a community and our residents rely on having these ceremonies close to home. Eliminating Westchester as a host site will place an undue burden on hundreds of families each year. We respectfully ask USCIS to reinstate these ceremonies or explore a modified schedule that preserves Westchester’s role as a host.”
Roach said: “Ensuring that new citizens have a convenient, welcoming place to take this life-changing step is a responsibility we take seriously. We stand ready to work with USCIS in any way needed to maintain these ceremonies in Westchester County.”
In their communication to USCIS, Idoni reiterated Westchester’s full commitment to supporting federal partners, offering staffing, logistical assistance and facilities to ensure ceremonies can continue seamlessly.