Lawmakers Demand Answers After Trump Administration Halts Immigration Applications and Citizenship Ceremonies

By Amr Gohar

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) are calling for urgent clarification after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an indefinite pause in the immigration process for nationals from countries listed under former President Donald Trump’s travel ban.

In a formal letter, the lawmakers warned that the move could leave thousands of families in permanent uncertainty and block eligible immigrants from completing the final steps of the citizenship process.

“Without clarity on how long this broad pause will last, soon-to-be citizens will be left in limbo for perpetuity, and families will be forced to remain separated,” the lawmakers wrote. “What is clear is that no amount of vetting, moral character, or commitment to this country and its democratic values is enough to satiate the Trump Administration.”

According to the statement, the Trump administration has paused and canceled green card interviews, naturalization applications, interviews, and oath ceremonies for affected immigrants — even for individuals who have passed all required security checks and completed years of vetting to secure legal status.

Jayapal and Fletcher criticized the decision as arbitrary and discriminatory, arguing that it punishes immigrants solely based on their country of origin.

“These naturalization ceremonies are a time of celebration,” they continued. “To deny this monumental achievement to those who have waited years, if not decades, to pledge the Oath of Allegiance is a slap in the face to all those who have devoted their time and energy to become U.S. citizens. This sweeping action is unjustified, discriminatory, and inconsistent with our nation’s founding principles.”

The lawmakers are demanding a timeline for when the pause will be lifted, details on any new background or security checks being conducted, and a full report to Congress.

USCIS has not yet issued further guidance on how long the pause will remain in effect or how many individuals are affected.

The dispute comes amid intensifying national debate over immigration policy, government authority, and the implications of expanded travel restrictions.