Trump administration blocks groups from voter registration at naturalization events

Nongovernmental groups now are barred from registering new voters at naturalization ceremonies, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced.

The policy, which was issued Friday , says that "only state and local election officials will be permitted to offer voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies."

Groups like the League of Women Voters criticized the decision. They often partner with local and state election officials or supplement their work to administer registration services — and that includes during naturalization ceremonies.

Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, said in a statement that this new policy "is an attempt to keep new citizens from accessing their full rights."

"For decades, the League of Women