The Biden administration introduced new measures on August 25, 2023, to encourage voter registration during naturalization ceremonies for new U.S. citizens. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued updated guidance to raise awareness and broaden access to voter registration services during these ceremonies. The guidance encourages the involvement of state or local government election offices, and when those officials are unavailable, non-partisan organizations may also assist with registration services. These organizations would be given the chance to address the naturalization candidates before the ceremony. The USCIS alert said,
“The ability to vote in federal elections is a fundamental right that comes with U.S. citizenship. All individuals naturalized at an administrative naturalization ceremony are immediately eligible to register to vote.”
USCIS considers voting in federal elections to be a fundamental right for U.S. citizens, and historically, it has facilitated voter registration services at administrative naturalization ceremonies. This directive arises from President Biden’s executive order in March 2021, which calls on agencies to explore methods of promoting voter participation within the bounds of the law. This move has sparked controversy among some Republicans, who argue against federal overreach and question the legality of the order.
The executive order is part of a broader effort to increase voter registration and participation. Earlier in the year, the USCIS announced its intention to collaborate with state and local election administration officials and nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration applications to new citizens. This action follows previous disagreements between Republicans and Democrats on election reform, with Democrats proposing the For the People Act in 2021, which was met with Republican resistance for its potential to centralize state and local elections.
Your voice and vote matter. If you live and work in the United States, you want to have a voice in the decisions that affect your life, your community and your country. Voting is a fundamental right for U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens can vote in local and federal elections.
You are not required to hire an attorney to manage your citizenship application. However, immigration law is complicated, confusing and – especially now – changing rapidly. The advice and guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer can save you time, money and stress – and make the difference in whether your citizenship application is approved or denied.
The skilled immigration lawyers at Godoy Law Office can answer any questions about citizenship and immigration and guide you through every step of the citizenship process. Call us today at 630-345-4164.
