United States Citizenship and Immigration Services — Local services in Philadelphia

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Unprofessional Conduct During Oath Ceremony – 05/16/2025

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the treatment I received during my scheduled naturalization oath ceremony on May 16, 2025, in Pennsylvania.

Prior to the ceremony, I updated my address in my USCIS account, as I had recently moved to a different state. Despite this, I mistakenly attended the ceremony in Pennsylvania, unaware that my change of address required my oath ceremony to be rescheduled in my new state of residence.

Rather than being calmly informed of this and guided on the next steps, I was publicly humiliated by one of the USCIS employees present at the ceremony—who, like me, is of Dominican origin. She addressed me in an unnecessarily loud and disrespectful tone, saying: “I don’t know what will happen with your case, but what I do know is that you’re not becoming a citizen today.” She then proceeded to tear up my appointment letter in front of approximately 100 people present at the ceremony. This behavior was rude, unprofessional, and completely inappropriate, especially coming from someone in a position of public service.

The incident was witnessed not only by the public but also by the other two USCIS employees who were present at the time. I felt disrespected, humiliated, and targeted in a moment that should have been a proud and emotional milestone in my life.

I respectfully request that this matter be investigated and that appropriate action be taken to address the conduct of this employee. No one deserves to be treated in such a disrespectful manner, especially in a setting as important and symbolic as a naturalization ceremony.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to a response and to seeing that proper steps are taken to ensure this does not happen to anyone else...

I attended my very first swearing in ceremony for a family member who was becoming an American Citizen. While I had no idea what to expect, I can say that I was very pleased with everything that happened. There is ample parking directly across the street and the two attendants in the lot could not have been more pleasant and helpful. When we went inside the building to go through security, it was quick, there was no frustration or rudeness and all agents handling security were informative, pleasant and helpful - although I did not anticipate removing my shoes - wish I had socks! We were kept informed while waiting and when it came time to enter the area where the Candidates would be sworn in, the transfer from the waiting room to the ceremony room was organized and quick. I cannot say enough about the ceremony itself! All Candidates had small American Flags and information about the ceremony. It started with the Star Bangled Banner, a short speech about the ceremony itself and the importance of becoming an American Citizen, the Oath, a recorded congratulatory message from President Trump, the Pledge of Allegiance and American the Beautiful. Everyone received their Certificates individually which added to the happiness of all the family and friends in attendance since it was a great photo opportunity! When the ceremony concluded, all were given ample time to take photos with the multitude of American Flags and set up photo areas which included a large poster-sized board of the Statue of Liberty, Flags, etc. It was so great to see American Pride shown by the Candidates and those family and friends in attendance. It was a great job by all staff! I am so proud of my family member for becoming an American Citizen and seeing her pride and happiness when she received her Certificate. Thank you to all for making it such a...

USCIS parking closed. Near is parking - $20 for day. You can park on a curb, prepare quoters (25 cents coins) for a transmitter. Safety-officer on entrance asks "Weapon? Food?" You need show to him your passport and invitation letter. Then be ready to take your shoes off, before going though metallodetector. Maybe you prefer to be in socks while is comming on a puplic carpet. You can bring your electronic devices there and take them to waiting hall. I was surprised. But! In waiting hall you will see a sign on wall "Don't use cell phone!" I was confused by that, and decided that phone CALLS are prohibited and you still can use your phone for texting or plaing games. There is big TV in waiting hall working with loud sound. If you are there for citizenship interview, you should go to a second floor. I did not see elevator, but it is there! - go ahead several steps and you will see it. I did not take food for my baby, but I saw another baby with bottle there. Immigration officer was so kind, she gave toys to my baby. It is not common practice, so bring your toys with you, there is no a kid's zone. If you will be asked to bring photos, you can made them at Rite Aid for $9. Interview is not like something I saw on youtube. It was mostly like a live conversation and after that - standard questions from part 12, N-400, almost all of them. I was not asked to give definition of that words, but I was ready. And... if you want to be nice on your naturalization certificate - be nice on interview, there will be taken your photos again! And fingertips, too. One more not expected sing - you will put your signature on electronic device. It looks like tablet. You will check your N-400 on screen of...