LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, expressed deep concern over a report that many naturalization applicants may have faced unfair delays in completing the naturalization process.  In a report released yesterday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Ombudsman Michael Dougherty documented instances where some of the federal courts who exercise authority over the naturalization oath ceremony did not hold sufficient ceremonies to accommodate the large number of U.S. citizenship applicants who had completed processing in Fall of 2008. 

While the USCIS has made significant progress in reducing the U.S. citizenship backlog, the findings in the Ombudsman’s report highlight the need to address another delay in the process for applicants.  The NALEO Educational Fund supports the Ombudsman’s recommendations clarifying the USCIS’ authority over oath ceremonies and working with the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to ensure that federal courts fulfill their swearing-in obligations responsibly and effectively.

“Immigrants who have demonstrated a commitment to become full participants in the American democratic process should not be faced with yet another obstacle in fulfilling this dream,” said Arturo Vargas, Executive Director of the NALEO Educational Fund.  “The NALEO Educational Fund will monitor this development closely and will continue to advocate for a fair and accessible naturalization process.”

About NALEO Educational Fund
The NALEO Educational Fund is the nation's leading organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.