In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar called on the agency to resume processing citizenship applications and naturalization ceremonies for Cuban and Venezuelan applicants while maintaining enhanced security screening procedures.
According to a media release from the Representative’s Office, Congresswoman Salazar outlined three specific requests in her correspondence. She requested that DHS “restart immigration benefit and naturalization processing, preserve strengthened security screening, and immediately resume naturalization ceremonies that have been halted.”
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 originating from “high-risk” nations, as part of a broader review of screening procedures.
As a result, tens of thousands of applicants – many of them Cuban and Venezuelan – in South Florida have been unable to complete their naturalization process as the guidance has slowed the process of affected cases.
“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.”
The congresswoman emphasized that the individuals affected are “lawful permanent residents who have already met all requirements for citizenship and should not face unnecessary delays due to administrative holds.”
Rep. Salazar has been a prominent advocate for both Cubans and Venezuelans fleeing oppressive governments, pushing for legislation that ensures nationals have a lawful and fair chance to remain and rebuild their lives in the U.S.
She represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District, which is “home to one of the largest Cuban and Venezuelan communities in the country.”
