West Des Moines Woman Sues Over Canceled Citizenship Oath

Lawsuit challenges Trump-era policy labeling Venezuela as high-risk for naturalization

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:04am

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with an empty desk and chair, conveying a sense of bureaucratic isolation and the challenges faced by those seeking citizenship.The legal battle over citizenship for immigrants from designated 'high-risk' countries continues, exposing the human toll of restrictive policies.West Des Moines Today

A West Des Moines woman originally from Venezuela is suing in federal court after her planned oath-of-citizenship ceremony was allegedly canceled under a Trump administration policy labeling Venezuela a high-risk country. She argues she's met all legal requirements for naturalization and is asking a judge to override federal agencies and clear her path to U.S. citizenship.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over immigration policies and the challenges faced by individuals seeking naturalization, particularly those from countries designated as high-risk by the federal government.

The details

The West Des Moines woman, who has not been named, is arguing that she has fulfilled all the legal requirements for naturalization and should not be denied citizenship due to her country of origin. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration's policy of labeling Venezuela as a high-risk country for naturalization is unlawful and has unfairly impacted her path to becoming a U.S. citizen.

  • The woman's planned oath-of-citizenship ceremony was allegedly canceled under a Trump administration policy in 2020.
  • The lawsuit was filed in federal court in 2026.

The players

West Des Moines woman

A resident of West Des Moines, Iowa who was originally from Venezuela and is suing the federal government over the cancellation of her planned citizenship oath ceremony.

Trump administration

The former presidential administration that implemented a policy labeling Venezuela as a high-risk country for naturalization, which is the basis of the lawsuit.

Federal agencies

The government entities being sued by the West Des Moines woman for overriding her path to U.S. citizenship.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to be denied citizenship due to their country of origin.”

— West Des Moines woman, Plaintiff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to override the federal agencies' decision and clear the path for the West Des Moines woman to become a U.S. citizen.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants seeking naturalization, particularly those from countries designated as high-risk by the federal government. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for immigration policies and the rights of individuals to obtain U.S. citizenship.