Several people in North Central Washington who were scheduled to take the final step toward U.S. citizenship have had their oath ceremonies abruptly canceled. It's left families confused and anxious as delays and policy changes ripple through the immigration system.
Norma Gallegos, founder and legal director at Hand in Hand Immigration Services in Wenatchee, said seven oath ceremonies were canceled in recent weeks — three planned for Jan. 30 and four scheduled for Friday. Across the country, naturalization ceremonies have been canceled abruptly for some by President Donald Trump’s administration, which deemed certain immigrants as "high-risk."
Gallegos, who has worked in immigration services for well over a decade, said the cancellations have caused panic among applicants who have already spent months or even years completing the naturalization process.
“People are distressed and uncertain,” Gallegos said. “They’ve gone through all the steps, passed their tests and the last thing they’re waiting for is the oath.”
The oath ceremony is the final stage of becoming a U.S. citizen, after applicants complete background checks, interviews and a civics exam. An immigrant must be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years before they can apply for naturalization. The citizenship process can take years.
Gallegos said many of those affected are older adults who have lived in the United States legally for decades.
“They’ve worked very hard to pass their test,” she said. “Then they get a notice saying the ceremony has been canceled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances.’ That phrase can mean anything, and people don’t know what to think.”
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services released a memo stating that it would pause the review of pending applications for green cards, citizenship or asylum from immigrants from 19 countries listed in a previous travel ban.
Gallegos' clients’ countries of origin are not on that list. However, travel bans raise concerns for her and her clients for what could come next.
She said one applicant, an 82-year-old man in poor health, told her he could not sleep after receiving the cancellation notice.
Gallegos said immigration offices have struggled with backlogs, mailing issues and delayed appointment notices, sometimes causing people to miss interviews. In December, some federal immigration offices in Washington state were unexpectedly closed when applicants arrived for scheduled appointments. According to Gallegos, people would find a closure notice at federal offices, a notice issued too late for many to receive.
“People lose work, they pay for childcare, they pay for transportation,” she said. “And then they’re left standing outside.”
Gallegos also pointed to broader uncertainty fueled by shifting federal immigration policies, which she said has increased fear in immigrant communities.
She said some families are now reconsidering applying for citizenship at all.
“I’ve had people tell me, ‘I don’t want to go through this stress. I’ll just renew my green card,’” Gallegos said.
She said the confusion has spread beyond applicants themselves, affecting children and relatives who worry about what the future holds.
Gallegos urged community members to pay attention to immigrant neighbors who may be struggling quietly and to support those seeking citizenship.
“The more we talk with each other, the more we should focus on our similarities instead of our differences,” she said.
Hand in Hand serves immigrants across Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan and Adams counties, helping applicants prepare for citizenship exams and navigate the complex immigration process.
Gallegos said she hopes the canceled ceremonies will be rescheduled soon, but until then, many applicants remain in limbo.
“It’s their biggest wish,” she said. “To take that oath.”
Reneé Diaz may be contacted at [email protected]. Collaborative reporting by The Wenatchee World, NWPB and Murrow College of Communication Newsroom Fellowship.
