1. United States
2. Del.
3. Letter

For decades, League of Women Voters volunteers have helped new citizens register to vote at naturalization ceremonies – giving their time generously in service to our democracy. Naturalization ceremonies are normally a moment of pure joy: the light at the end of a long journey, where new Americans proudly secure their citizenship and communities gather to celebrate them. But now, that joy is being overshadowed. This past week, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy guidance barring nonpartisan organizations from providing voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies. By prohibiting this public service, USCIS has tarnished a cherished, community-centered celebration. It’s an oppressive move by the Trump administration to silence new citizens and an insult to everyone who cherishes voting rights. This is thinly-veiled voter suppression. Making it harder for new citizens to register to vote will silence their voices. We need your help and support to preserve this time-honored tradition that has already made it easier for hundreds of thousands of new citizens to register to vote. Make no mistake: Prohibiting voter registration at naturalization ceremonies is just the latest attack on the immigrant community, who are already being targeted by masked ICE agents in unmarked vehicles profiling, stalking and terrorizing people of color. And now, they’re targeting immigrants in courtrooms as well as their homes and workplaces. The League of Women Voters is dedicated to nonpartisan voter registration services that facilitate voting freedom for all. We urge you to stand up for our immigrant community and tell USCIS that this policy change cannot stand.