ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Global citizens looking to complete their U.S. citizenship proceedings may once again be able to do so in Tompkins County.

The federal government has reportedly reversed its decision to shut down local naturalization ceremonies.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued the directive to cancel local ceremonies nearly two weeks ago. It would have shifted ceremonies to distant venues. The move triggered a wave of concern from local governments and elected officials, including State Senator Lea Webb, who called the decision “deeply troubling.”

Tompkins County Administration tells 607NewsNow that they’ve reached out to USCIS to confirm the reversal, but have not heard back, nor have they received clarification on what “unmet statutory requirements” prompted the initial decision.