November 04, 2021
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
IN THE MATTER OF:
SUSPENSION OF NATURALIZATION Tenth Amended
CEREMONIES IN THE WESTERN Standing Order No. 2020-3
DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring of 2020, 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 March 31, 2022. 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 March 31, 2022.
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.
3rd day of November, 2021.
Entered this _____
Michael F. Urbanski
Chief U.S. District Judge
2021.11.03 11:30:47 -04'00'
Michael F. Urbanski
Chief United States District Judge
