UI Professor Sues Over Canceled Citizenship Oath in Iowa City

Sunday Goshit challenges stalled naturalization application after over 25 years in the community.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A solitary figure standing alone on a city street corner, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the struggle of an immigrant seeking citizenship.A long-time Iowa City resident fights for his right to become a U.S. citizen, exposing the challenges some immigrants face in the naturalization process.Iowa City Today

UI international studies professor Sunday Goshit addressed a crowd in Iowa City on April 3 about his lawsuit over a stalled naturalization application. Goshit, who has lived in Iowa City for over 25 years, said he wants to become a U.S. citizen because of the country's global leadership in the rule of law and protection for all.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges some immigrants face in navigating the U.S. citizenship process, even after living in the country for decades. Iowa City has a diverse population, and Goshit's lawsuit could impact the naturalization process for other long-term residents seeking citizenship.

The details

Goshit filed a lawsuit after his scheduled citizenship oath ceremony was canceled. He has been living in Iowa City for over 25 years and says he wants to become a U.S. citizen to be part of a nation that upholds the rule of law and protects all people, including immigrants.

  • Goshit addressed the Iowa City crowd on April 3, 2026.
  • Goshit has lived in Iowa City for over 25 years.

The players

Sunday Goshit

A UI international studies professor who has lived in Iowa City for over 25 years and is suing over a stalled naturalization application.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be a citizen of this great nation because of its global leadership in the rule of law, the principle that no one is above the law, and everyone is entitled to its protection. This is a nation of immigrants.”

— Sunday Goshit, UI Professor

What’s next

Goshit's lawsuit over the canceled citizenship oath ceremony is ongoing, and the outcome could impact the naturalization process for other long-term residents in Iowa City.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges some immigrants face in becoming U.S. citizens, even after living in the country for decades and contributing to their local communities. It underscores the importance of a fair and accessible naturalization process for all eligible individuals.