NEW ULM — Naturalization oath ceremonies in Minnesota have decreased significantly, leaving some approved applicants waiting months to complete the final step of becoming U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The frequency of ceremonies has dropped from approximately four per month to about one, based on information from USCIS and individuals familiar with the process.

The League of Women Voters reported registering more than 1,000 new voters per month at ceremonies in early 2025. By March 2026, that number had fallen to 52, according to the organization.

The decline follows an August 2025 federal policy change, according to USCIS guidance, that barred nonprofit organizations from providing voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies. The policy is currently being challenged in federal court.

Federal “adjudicative holds” implemented by USCIS have also contributed to delays in the naturalization process. 

Following policy changes in late 2025 and January 2026, the agency placed holds on some applications, including individuals who had already completed background checks and passed civics exams, according to court filings and agency statements.

Retired Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge John Rodenberg said these types of cases are handled at the federal level.

“The issue is generally for immigration court and then federal district court,” Rodenberg said.

In a recent federal court hearing in St. Paul, proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota highlighted the strain on the system.

Federal prosecutor Julie Le described the volume of cases as “unimaginable chaos,” according to statements made during court proceedings. She also said the office is “overwhelmed” by the workload.

Ruth Ann Webster, a civic leader with the League of Women Voters in Brown County, said it is difficult to determine how many local residents are affected.

“We haven’t identified specific individuals locally who have been placed on hold,” Webster said. “But we know the issue is affecting people in the region.”

Webster said the League’s national organization is involved in litigation challenging the voter registration restrictions.

“That work used to be part of the process,” Webster said.

For some Minnesota residents, the delays mean additional time before they can vote or apply for a U.S. passport.

USCIS has said the holds are necessary for additional screening but has not provided a timeline for when affected cases will move forward.