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A Sierra Leonean woman, who had successfully passed her U.S. citizenship test and was scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance this week, has had her ceremony abruptly canceled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The cancellation, reportedly linked to the Trump administration’s controversial policies targeting citizens from certain countries, has raised questions about fairness and due process for immigrants.
The woman, who filed for naturalization through the N-400 process, had reportedly completed all the required steps, including the citizenship exam, and was expecting to attend her oath ceremony this Wednesday. However, just days before the ceremony, she received a call from USCIS notifying her that her appointment had been canceled indefinitely.
The decision is part of a broader set of policies instituted under the Trump administration, which placed heightened scrutiny on citizens from 19 countries, including Sierra Leone.
The policy, introduced as part of a series of immigration measures, affects people seeking post-immigration benefits, such as naturalization, from these countries.
In a statement regarding the incident, a legal professional representing immigrants from these affected nations expressed frustration over the cancellations, pointing out the lack of explanation or justification from USCIS.
“This is not about due process. This is not right,” she said, emphasizing that the woman in question had followed all the correct procedures, paid the required fees, and completed her citizenship exam with success.
The report further encouraged those affected, particularly those from the 19 countries under heightened scrutiny, to stay informed about their cases and check their status regularly.
“Please speak to your attorney and check the system to see if there are any updates on your application,” the statement urged.
While it remains unclear how long these measures will continue, the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies and delays in immigration processing for individuals from the 19 countries have become a growing concern among immigrant communities.
This development comes just weeks after the Trump administration’s official placement of the 19 nations on a heightened scrutiny list, which has caused significant delays in processing citizenship and immigration-related matters for nationals of those countries.
The ongoing impact of these policies remains a source of frustration and uncertainty for many immigrants who have followed the established legal processes in pursuit of U.S. citizenship.
As the Trump administration’s controversial immigration policies continue to evolve, many are questioning the long-term effects these measures may have on individuals seeking to become American citizens, particularly those from countries that are now under increased scrutiny.
For now, the Sierra Leonean woman’s hopes of becoming a U.S. citizen remain on hold, with no clear timeline for when, or if, her canceled oath ceremony will be rescheduled.
