Citizenship & naturalizationPOLICY UPDATE
Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual emphasizing the non-partisan nature of voter registration services offered to new citizens at administrative naturalization ceremonies. As of August 31, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rescinding PA-2025-21, Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies, and the related provisions. The USCIS Policy Manual version effective June 28, 2017, found in Volume 12, Part J, Chapter 5, Sections F and H, is reinstated.
Effective date and application
This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately
Key changes
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual emphasizing the non-partisan nature of voter registration services offered to new citizens at administrative naturalization ceremonies. As of August 31, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rescinding PA-2025-21, Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies, and the related provisions. The USCIS Policy Manual version effective June 28, 2017, found in Volume 12, Part J, Chapter 5, Sections F and H, is reinstated.
- Provides that only state and local election officials are permitted to provide voter registration services at the conclusion of an administrative naturalization ceremony. Nongovernmental entities are not permitted to provide voter registration services at USCIS facilities during naturalization ceremonies.
- Provides the responsibility and limited scope of voter registration election officials, to include not engaging in any political activities during naturalization ceremonies.
- Provides an updated list of materials distributed at administrative naturalization ceremonies.
