USCIS Policy Alert Reinstating NGO Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremonies

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is temporarily reinstating the June 28, 2017, policy guidance concerning the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in administrative naturalization ceremonies. The change is being implemented in compliance with a court order issued in League of Women Voters v. USCIS, No. 25-cv-3777 (D. Md. Aug. 3, 2026).

Pending the final resolution of the litigation, the reinstated guidance allows eligible nonprofit and nonpartisan NGOs to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies to provide voter registration services. These services may include distributing and collecting voter registration applications and assisting new citizens with voter registration when state or local election officials are unavailable to provide such services.

Background

On August 29, 2025, USCIS issued a Policy Manual Update and Alert that limited voter registration services at administrative naturalization ceremonies to state and local election officials. Under that policy, non-governmental organizations were no longer permitted to provide voter registration services at these ceremonies.

Before the August 2025 policy change, USCIS permitted NGOs to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies by providing voter registration applications and general voter registration information.

On August 3, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland stayed implementation of the August 29, 2025, USCIS Policy Alert and Update while the legal challenge to the policy proceeds. The Court also directed USCIS to reinstate the relevant provisions of the USCIS Policy Manual that were in effect on June 28, 2017.

In response to the Court’s order, USCIS is temporarily restoring the June 28, 2017, policy guidance. The updated guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual, is effective immediately and will remain in effect pending the final resolution of the litigation.

The reinstated Policy Manual guidance is controlling and supersedes any inconsistent prior guidance.

Policy Highlights

Pending final resolution of the litigation, the reinstated guidance:

• Allows NGOs to request participation: Non-governmental organizations may request permission to attend administrative naturalization ceremonies to provide voter registration services.
• Defines permitted voter registration services: Acceptable activities include distributing voter registration forms, reviewing the forms, and assisting individuals in completing their voter registration applications.
• Requires advance written requests: NGOs seeking to provide voter registration services must submit a written request to the appropriate local USCIS office at least 60 days before the ceremony.
• Protects voter registration information: NGOs may not alter completed voter registration materials or collect or retain the personal information of individuals who register to vote at naturalization ceremonies.
• Allows participation to be revoked: USCIS may revoke an organization’s authorization to participate if the organization fails to comply with the applicable requirements.

Summary of Changes

Affected Section:
Volume 12 > Part J > Chapter 5 — Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies

USCIS has reverted the following sections to the June 28, 2017, policy guidance:

• Section F — Voter Registration After Naturalization Ceremonies
• Section H — Participation of Volunteers and Civic Organizations

The reinstatement is intended to ensure compliance with the District Court’s order while the litigation remains pending.

Reference: Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies, PA-2025-21, issued August 29, 2025. AILA Doc. No. 26081710 (posted August 17, 2026).