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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT i:-~>:_ rw r- .;:,'(
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO •~:l'7Q •.-1 ~ n I"
EASTERN DIVISION .'. ..JL' Hhl\ l
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INRE:
GENERAL ORDER NO. 20-03
NATURALIZATIONS UNDER THE
EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES
CREATED BY COVID-19
Pursuant to Title 8 of United States Code§ 142l(b)(l)(B), Federal Judges in the Southern
District of Ohio have the exclusive authority to administer the oath of allegiance to persons seeking
to become naturalized citizens of the United States. Our exclusive authority to administer the oath
applies only during the 45-day period beginning on the date on which the Attorney General
certifies to the Court that an applicant is eligible for naturalization. 8 U.S.C. § 1421(b)(3)(A). But
due to the recent confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the state of Ohio, the Southern District
of Ohio is suspending all naturalization proceedings within this District for a period of 45 days, or
until further notice. This decision has been made for the health and safety of all Court personnel
and visitors of the Court.
The temporary suspension of naturalization proceedings will not divest the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Ohio of its exclusive authority to administer the oath of
allegiance to persons seeking to become naturalized citizens in this District. See 8 U.S.C. §
1421 (b)(3)(A).
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Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that effective Thursday, March 12, 2020:
THERE SHALL BE NO NATURALIZATION PROCEEDINGS IN THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO FOR A PERIOD OF 45 DAYS OF THIS
ORDER, PENDING FURTHER ORDER OF THIS COURT.
The Court will vacate or amend this General Order no later than April 13, 2020.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
L.lVl}.L,1,CejeH:7:1~ -----
ITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
DATED: March 12, 2020
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