2018_0221_HRIEC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The 3-month rule does not apply to the President or Vice President of the United States. However, the 3-month rule does apply to Members of Congress. In exceptional circumstances, the USCIS Office of the Chief Counsel's Ethics Division may authorize exceptions to the 3-month rule if the candidate's participation, subject to any appropriate conditions, would not unduly compromise the ceremony's political neutrality and would serve the best interest of USCIS and enhance the ceremony. For any exceptions or issues relating to the 3-month rule, field leadership should contact the Office of Chief Counsel's Ethics Division. 2.Members of Congress USCIS congressional liaisons coordinate with USCIS district or field office leadership regarding invitations to and requests from Members of Congress to participate in administrative naturalization ceremonies. Congressional liaisons and the Field Operations Directorate must provide ample notice when issuing invitations to or responding to requests from Members of Congress to serve as guest speakers in naturalization ceremonies. In the event a Member of Congress is unable to serve as a guest speaker after accepting an invitation to do so, only USCIS may select an appropriate substitute. When a congressional liaison issues an invitation to a Member's office, the invitation must include USCIS guidelines for administrative naturalization ceremonies.-LL5-LMembers of Congress scheduled to speak at administrative naturalization ceremonies must follow USCIS' guidance for guest speakers.-LL6-LMembers of Congress may not distribute any materials at a USCIS naturalization ceremony or inside the ceremony venue. LL71 Some members of Congress may ask USCIS to schedule naturalization ceremonies to mark particular dates or events of significance to the United States or the U.S. state being represented. USCIS district office or field office leadership may, at their discretion, honor these requests, subject to restrictions for guest speakers. District office or field office leadership must decline the request if there is any possibility of the event being seen as a platform for any political, controversial, religious, or commercial message. District office or field office leadership may also decline the request if supporting such a ceremony would negatively impact other activities or otherwise present operational hardships. When a member of Congress asks USCIS to schedule a naturalization ceremony, USCIS responds in writing. If the request is to be honored, the response will provide expectations and restrictions regarding speech for guest speakers.-LL9-Llf the request is to be declined, USCIS will provide a reason and a copy of the ceremony guidance. Members of Congress and their staff are always welcome to attend a naturalization ceremony as members of the public. F. Voter Registration After Naturalization Ceremonies 1.Distribution of Voter Registration Applications 20 The ability to vote in federal elections is both a right and a responsibility that comes with U.S. citizenship. 21 All newly naturalized citizens must be given the opportunity to register at the end of the administrative naturalization ceremony when the new citizen is then eligible to register to vote. The options for distribution of voter registration applications are (in preferential order): • State or local government election offices distribute and collect voter registration applications for an election official to review and officially register the person to vote;