Despite increasing barriers under the Trump administration, hundreds of immigrants became US citizens in January ceremonies in the Washington, D.C. area. These events highlighted joy and relief amid paused applications and cancelled proceedings. Advocates note the process is slowing, yet commitment to inclusion persists.
In January 2026, NPR observed three naturalization ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia, where over 150 immigrants from dozens of countries took the oath of citizenship. These gatherings were marked by celebration, even as the Trump administration introduced measures to restrict legal migration.
Florencia Paz, originally from Italy and Argentina, described her experience after 13 years in the US. "I came here to this country by myself, and I became an American in my mind and my heart," she said following her oath at the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse on January 13, alongside 103 others from 40 nations. At the Albert V. Bryan Federal Courthouse in Alexandria on January 15, 46 new citizens, including Ashley Lezama Moreno from Honduras, expressed profound emotions. "It's some mixture of emotions only because it seems like it's impossible," Lezama Moreno said. "New opportunities, the beginning of the chapter."
Judge John F. Anderson, presiding in Alexandria, emphasized diversity: "The number of countries represented here today both reflects and further contributes to the rich diversity of the American people. As you remember your heritage, share it with your new citizens."
However, the backdrop included significant hurdles. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused processing of naturalization applications for nationals from 39 countries with travel restrictions in December 2025, expanding to 75 more in January 2026. A tougher citizenship test was unveiled in October 2025, and a rule now allows denial based on legal use of public benefits like food stamps. Ceremonies nationwide were cancelled from October to mid-November due to a government shutdown, with additional last-minute disruptions.
Barbara Zia of the League of Women Voters noted fewer participants: typically 125 at the D.C. court, but only 104 in January, with February's event cancelled. USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser defended the changes, stating the agency under Biden had prioritized "rubber-stamping" and now implements "rigorous screening."
Zaida Meza from Guatemala, naturalized after 21 years, credited timely approval before bans: "I love this country and I want to vote in the federal elections." David Diemert from Canada, a resident since 2001, sought security amid uncertainties. Cori Alonso-Yoder of the University of Maryland's Immigration Clinic observed persistent anxiety but affirmed, "Citizenship is continuing to move forward."
In fiscal year 2024, USCIS naturalized over 818,000 people; preliminary 2025 data shows about 517,000 applications in the first half, though approvals may decline.
