Latest Developments

A United States government shutdown has led to the abrupt cancellation of citizenship ceremonies, leaving thousands of aspiring Americans, including members of the Kenyan diaspora, in limbo. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, individuals gathered at a US immigration office in Virginia for their naturalisation ceremony were informed that the event was cancelled due to the ongoing federal funding lapse. Many received no prior notification, with staff at the entrance reportedly unaware of the cancellations until applicants arrived.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that public-facing services, such as oath ceremonies, may face disruptions despite the agency being primarily funded by application fees. This is because USCIS operations still rely on coordination with other federal departments affected by the shutdown.

Historical and Political Context

Government shutdowns in the United States occur when Congress fails to pass funding legislation for federal government operations before the new fiscal year begins. Since 1980, when Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti issued a legal opinion requiring agencies to curtail non-essential activities during a funding gap, shutdowns have become a recurring feature of the US political landscape.

The current shutdown, which began on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, stems from Congress's failure to pass funding legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. Previous significant shutdowns include a 35-day closure in 2018-2019 over border wall funding, a 21-day shutdown in 1995-1996 due to disputes over spending cuts, and a 16-day shutdown in 2013 related to the Affordable Care Act.

Laws/Policy and Governance

While USCIS is largely fee-funded, its reliance on other federal entities for certain functions means that a government shutdown can still impact its services. During previous shutdowns, most USCIS operations, including interviews, naturalisation ceremonies, and biometrics processing, were expected to continue. However, the current situation demonstrates that cancellations can occur, particularly if ceremonies are held in federal buildings that are closed.

The US Department of State's visa adjudication and consular services, also primarily fee-funded, generally remain operational during shutdowns. However, services may be limited if fee balances are insufficient.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The Kenyan diaspora in the United States is a significant community, with an estimated 94,623 Kenyan-born persons residing there as of the 2021 census. Many Kenyans pursue US citizenship, with a relatively small share (35%) of Kenyan immigrants being US citizens, reflecting a recently arrived population.

For these individuals, the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies represents a significant setback after years of navigating the complex immigration process. The uncertainty surrounding rescheduling dates adds to anxiety, with some fearing potential biases or worrying about the impact of delays on their lives and livelihoods.

Evidence/Data

• Current US Government Shutdown Start Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2025
• Primary Funding Source for USCIS: Application fees (largely insulates from shutdowns)
• Estimated Kenyan-born persons in the US (2021): 94,623
• Naturalisation Rate among Kenyan Immigrants in US: 35% (Migration Policy Institute)

Risks and Implications

The ongoing shutdown creates uncertainty for immigrants, including Kenyans, who have planned their lives around becoming US citizens. Delays can impact employment, travel, and other aspects of daily life that depend on citizenship status. The lack of clear communication regarding rescheduled ceremonies further exacerbates these challenges.

For Kenya-US relations, while direct impacts on citizenship ceremonies are primarily an internal US matter, the broader political climate in the US, especially under administrations that have previously adopted stricter immigration stances, can influence policy execution and bilateral agreements. Kenya and the US have a strong diplomatic relationship, with Kenya designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally in May 2024.

Unknowns and Controversies

The exact duration of the current government shutdown remains unknown, making it difficult for USCIS to provide definitive timelines for rescheduled ceremonies. While USCIS offices generally remain open, the closure of federal buildings where ceremonies are held is a key factor in cancellations.

There have been instances where applicants were not notified of cancellations, leading to confusion and frustration. This highlights potential communication breakdowns during such federal disruptions.

Timeline and Next Steps

The US government shutdown began on Tuesday, October 1, 2025. As of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, there is no clear timeline for when the shutdown will end or when postponed naturalisation ceremonies will resume. Applicants who had their ceremonies cancelled in Virginia were reportedly told to return on Friday, November 1, 2025, though this date remains uncertain.

What to Watch

Kenyans awaiting US citizenship should closely monitor official USCIS announcements for updates on the government shutdown and the rescheduling of naturalisation ceremonies. Information can often be found on the USCIS website, though it may experience temporary outages during such events.

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The broader implications of US political tensions on Kenya-America relations, including potential shifts in foreign policy and aid, continue to be a subject of analysis. Kenya's government has also previously clarified its position on accepting migrants deported from the US, with President William Ruto stating in September 2025 that Kenya had not received any such request and any proposal would need to align with the Kenyan Constitution.