A naturalization ceremony is the end of the long path to citizenship. The candidates, dressed in their finest and holding miniature American flags, take an oath of allegiance to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. It’s a celebration that often includes tears of joy after years of perseverance, a time of great pride and possibility. Judges presiding over these ceremonies will often say these are the most gratifying days on the bench.

In recent weeks, however, U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services has been canceling these monthly events around New York State saying there aren’t the usual 50 candidates ready to take the oath. And Newsday's news division is reporting that in the last few days some Long Islanders who have been waiting decades for their ceremony are having final inter

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