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Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates condemns new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance that bars nonprofit organizations from registering new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies.
For decades, civic groups such as OCA local chapters and the League of Women Voters have partnered with USCIS to register eligible new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies. This longstanding practice has empowered hundreds of thousands of Americans to begin their civic journey immediately after taking the oath of citizenship.
“Becoming a U.S. citizen is a joyful milestone, the first step to full participation in our democracy,” said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “For many years, OCA volunteers have welcomed new citizens at their ceremonies by helping them take the very next step—registering to vote. That moment matters because it ensures their voices are heard right away.”
Instead of upholding this trusted tradition, where local election officials and longstanding nonpartisan organizations have safeguards to ensure the integrity of voter registration at naturalization ceremonies, USCIS has issued new guidance barring these partners from providing essential support.
“By shutting out OCA and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote,” Nguyen added. “Our democracy is stronger when the voices of new Americans are heard. OCA will continue to support immigrant and AAPI communities by registering new citizens, protecting their right to vote, and fighting to ensure they are fully represented at the ballot box.”
OCA urges USCIS to reverse this policy and calls on Congress to protect and expand access to voter registration services for immigrants and all eligible Americans.
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