In a new policy alert issued last weekend, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that nonpartisan groups such as the League of Women Voters will no longer be allowed to register new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies. Instead, the responsibility will shift solely to state and local election officials.
For decades, the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner of USCIS and federal courts, registering hundreds of thousands of new voters at naturalization ceremonies nationwide. In Rhode Island alone, League volunteers have assisted more than 1,700 new Americans in registering to vote over the past two years.
Naturalization ceremonies are joyful, empowering celebrations of American democracy. For many new citizens, being welcomed with a voter registration form symbolizes their first step into full civic participation. League members in Rhode Island have proudly stood beside new citizens as their picture is taken with the American flag and the Great Seal of Rhode Island. Thus, helping them understand the power of their fundamental right to vote.
“The right to vote is one of the most basic promises of our democracy,” said Celina Stewart, CEO LWVUS. “By shutting out the League and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote. This is yet another intimidation tactic and attack on the immigrant community. Our democracy is stronger with the voices of new citizens.”
This policy is a step backward for democracy and civic participation. We call on USCIS to reverse its decision and allow trusted nonpartisan organizations to continue registering new voters at naturalization ceremonies. This policy must NOT stand.
Respectfully,
Christine Stenning
President, LWVNC