USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Administrative Naturalization Ceremony Venues

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently released policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual aimed at providing clarity on the venues used for administrative naturalization ceremonies. This initiative aligns with USCIS's commitment to educating the public, facilitating donations of venue spaces, and enhancing transparency in collaboration for naturalization ceremonies. The goal is to foster public understanding of the naturalization process and encourage facility donations from both public and private entities, adhering to Policy Manual guidance and federal regulations.

Effective immediately and outlined in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, the update includes the following key points:

1. Process for Venue Donations: The guidance elucidates the process for potential facility donors to submit offers for donating venue spaces to USCIS.
2. Elimination of Form Requirement: The update eliminates the previous requirement for donors to complete and submit an Offer of Gift from Non-Governmental Sources (Form G-1194), streamlining the donation process.
3. Streamlined Internal Approval Process: It explains the internal USCIS process for the review and approval of venue offers, simplifying the submission process for organizations wishing to donate the use of facilities on multiple dates.
4. Types of Acceptable Venues: The guidance clarifies the diverse range of venues where USCIS may conduct ceremonies, providing a non-exhaustive list of commonly used locations. Additionally, it outlines considerations for accepting facility donations.

USCIS encourages collaboration with external entities to make administrative naturalization ceremonies more accessible and efficient. Interested parties are invited to review the updated guidance for comprehensive information on the donation process and venue considerations.