Participation of Non-Governmental Organizations at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies

Key changes

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is temporarily reverting to the June 28, 2017 policy guidance on non-governmental organization participation in administrative naturalization ceremonies, consistent with the court order in League of Women Voters v. USCIS , No. 25-cv-3777 (D. Md. Aug. 3, 2025). Pending final resolution of the litigation, this guidance permits nonprofit and nonpartisan non-governmental organizations to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies by distributing and collecting voter registration applications and officially registering new citizens to vote following the ceremony, when state and local election offices are not available to do so. 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.
• Pending final resolution of the litigation, permits non-governmental organizations to request to attend administrative naturalization ceremonies in order to provide “voter registration services.”
• Clarifies activities considered acceptable “voter registration services,” including distribution, review, and assistance in completing voter registration forms.
• Provides that non-governmental organizations must submit requests to provide voter registration services in writing to local USCIS offices at least 60 days prior to any event.
• Reaffirms that non-governmental organizations may not alter completed voter registration materials in any manner, nor collect or retain personal information of those who sign up for voter registration at naturalization ceremonies.
• Provides that a non-governmental organization that fails to comply with requirements may have their participation revoked.