Naturalization Process Has Been Paused In Upstate New York

The only way to become an Italian is to be born in Italy. The only way to become Russian is to be born in Russia. almost every nation across the globe follows this concept... All except one.

The beautiful thing about the United States of America is that no matter where you're born, you can always become an American. But now in Upstate New York, that concept is being challenged.

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What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process in which a non-American citizen can become an American citizen by meeting a few criteria. The main ones are simple enough: be at least 18 years old, be able to read, write, or speak basic English, and be of good moral character.

In addition to these, you must be one of the following: a Green Card holder of five years, married to a U.S. citizen, served in the U.S. Military, or be a child of a U.S. citizen. Once this is all determined, you just complete an interview and citizenship test, and then prepare for your Naturalization Ceremony where you will finally become a legal member of the United States of America.

Naturalization Halted

Over the past few days, that process of naturalization has halted across New York State. Clerks across the state have been told to stop performing Naturalization Ceremonies for the foreseeable future, with no concrete plans to pick them back up again.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, courts across New York do not fit the requirements to perform these ceremonies. With this ruling, hundreds of soon-to-be-Americans are being left in the dark about their future in this country.