Rep. Salazar Asks DHS to Resume Citizenship Processing, Naturalization Ceremonies for Cubans and Venezuelans

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging the Department to resume citizenship processing and naturalization ceremonies for Cuban and Venezuelan applicants, while maintaining enhanced security vetting measures.

In her letter, Salazar outlines three specific requests: to restart immigration benefit and naturalization processing, preserve strengthened security screening, and immediately resume naturalization ceremonies that have been halted.

In South Florida alone, where some of the nation’s highest volumes of naturalization cases are processed, tens of thousands of applicants, many of them Cuban and Venezuelan, are now stuck in limbo, unable to complete their path to citizenship and take the oath to become Americans.

“These are individuals who fled persecution and violence, followed the law, and have already been thoroughly vetted,” said Rep. Salazar. “They have earned the right to become citizens, and we can uphold strong security measures without delaying that process. With our nation’s 250th anniversary approaching, there is no better way to honor our founding than by welcoming new citizens and allowing them to take the oath that makes them Americans.”

Salazar emphasized that the individuals impacted are lawful permanent residents who have already met all requirements for citizenship and should not face unnecessary delays due to administrative holds.

She also highlighted the local impact, noting that Miami typically hosts dozens of naturalization ceremonies each year, an important tradition for the community and a meaningful step in welcoming new Americans.

Background: 

In December 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued guidance placing a hold on final adjudications for certain pending immigration benefit applications from nationals of designated “high-risk” countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, as part of a broader review of vetting procedures.

That guidance has slowed the processing of affected cases, contributing to delays in interviews, final decisions, and naturalization-related steps referenced above. In high-volume regions like South Florida, many eligible applicants who have met all requirements remain unable to complete the final step in becoming U.S. citizens.

Rep. Salazar has been a leading advocate for Cubans and Venezuelans fleeing oppressive regimes, advancing policies to ensure they have a lawful and fair opportunity to remain and build their lives in the United States. 

She represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District, home to one of the largest Cuban and Venezuelan communities in the country.