LULAC CONDEMNS VINDICTIVE SUSPENSION OF CITIZENSHIP OATHS AS A BETRAYAL OF AMERICA'S CORE VALUES
Nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization denounces a capricious policy that weaponizes citizenship and punishes those who follow the law
WASHINGTON — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today condemned the Trump administration's decision to suspend naturalization swearing-in ceremonies for thousands of approved applicants, calling it a shameful and dangerous abuse of executive power that undermines the U.S. Constitution and the very meaning of American citizenship. By halting the oath ceremonies, even for individuals who have passed rigorous background checks, met every legal requirement, and successfully completed the naturalization process, the administration has placed thousands of families in legal limbo at the final moment of their journey to citizenship. LULAC denounces this action as collective punishment, political bullying, and a callous denial of an earned right.
"This is not immigration enforcement. This is vindictiveness masquerading as policy," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "These individuals did everything this country asked of them. They followed the law, passed the tests, cleared the background checks, and stood ready to take the oath. To deny them at the finish line because of fear politics is a betrayal of due process and a direct assault on the American dream."
LULAC rejected claims that the suspension is justified by security concerns, noting that naturalization applicants are among the most thoroughly vetted individuals in the immigration system and, in many cases, have lived, worked, and contributed to the United States for decades.
"To turn the oath of citizenship, a moment of dignity, unity, and promise, into a political weapon is unconscionable," Palomares said. "No single person has the authority to arbitrarily deny citizenship to people who have earned it. That is not how a democracy functions, and it is not how a republic governed by laws, not rulers, should ever operate."
LULAC states that citizenship is not a favor bestowed by political whim, but a legal status earned through compliance with the law and protected by constitutional principles, including due process and equal protection.
"This action cheapens one of the most sacred civic moments in our nation and replaces it with cruelty and intimidation," Palomares added. "It sends a chilling message that even when you play by the rules, you can still be punished for who you are or where you come from. That is fundamentally un-American."
LULAC urges all Americans, regardless of party, background, or ideology, to speak out against this injustice. We call on Congress to exercise its constitutional oversight, demand the immediate resumption of naturalization ceremonies, and reaffirm that no administration has the right to trample civil rights or weaponize citizenship for political ends.
“America does not belong to one person,” states Palomares. “It belongs to all of us. And citizenship, once earned through lawful process, must never be denied by caprice, fear, or vendetta,” he concludes.
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.