May 28, 2021
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
IN THE MATTER OF:
SUSPENSION OF NATURALIZATION Eighth Amended
CEREMONIES IN THE WESTERN Standing Order No. 2020-3
DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last spring, the court has suspended naturalization
ceremonies in the Western District of Virginia to protect the public health. The United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has suspended public naturalization ceremonies
through August 31, 2021. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
has requested that the Western District of Virginia do the same.
Accordingly, it is ORDERED that naturalization ceremonies in the Western District of
Virginia be suspended until August 31, 2021.
There is one exception. With the cooperation of USCIS, Thomas Jefferson Foundation,
and the Blue Ridge Health District of the Virginia Department of Health, the court plans to
administer the Oath of Citizenship to a small gathering of new citizens at Monticello on July 4,
2021. Because of the pandemic, the July 4, 2021 naturalization ceremony will not be open to the
public as in years past, and instead will be accessible to the public via Internet live-streaming.
During this temporary period of suspension and until further Order of this Court, the
Attorney General of the United States, acting through the USCIS, may administer the Oath of
Allegiance to all applicants for naturalization residing in the Western District of Virginia. See 8
U.S.C. § 1421.
It is so ORDERED.
Entered this 25th day of May, 2021.
Michael F. Urbanski
Chief U.S. District Judge
2021.05.27 19:05:58 -04'00'
Michael F. Urbanski
Chief United States District Judge
