‘Your appointment’s rescheduled’: Shutdown cancels US citizenship ceremonies | What the governmen…

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'Your appointment's rescheduled': Shutdown cancels US citizenship ceremonies

About a dozen of us walked into a US immigration office in Virginia on Saturday morning, people born all over the world excited to take the final step in becoming American citizens.

We clutched our naturalisation notices as we filed through security and lined up at the check-in desk. Soon, we would raise our right hands and swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a ceremony that is known as both solemn and celebratory. Carrying small American flags, we would walk out citizens.

But then, abruptly, we learned the ceremony had been cancelled because of the government shutdown.

What the government shutdown means for your passport plans

Getting a passport in time for an international trip can be stressful at the best of times. The government shutdown, which entered its 10th day on Oct. 10 and has impacted a range of federal operations, may seem like an additional cause for concern.

Nevertheless, travelers shouldn’t be too worried. Even as other parts of the travel sector have shown signs of strain, with flight delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues, travelers can expect their passports to be processed as usual.

However, that could change depending on how long the shutdown lasts. Here’s what to know.

US government shutdown halts citizenship ceremonies, leaving immigrants in limbo

US Government Shutdown: Thousands of immigrants preparing to take their Oath of Allegiance have had their US citizenship ceremonies abruptly cancelled amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, sparking confusion and anxiety among those who had spent years waiting for this moment.

People were gathered at a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Virginia on Saturday morning, clutching their naturalisation notices and small American flags — ready to take their final step toward citizenship.

But moments before the US Citizenship ceremony was due to begin, a staff member delivered unexpected news: the event had been cancelled because of the government shutdown, BBC reported.

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