With Election Day approaching, lawmakers are facing challenges to ensure that everyone who wants to vote can, and that they can do it safely. Many applicants approaching the end of the lengthy process for naturalization have experienced further delay on the path to U.S. citizenship, due to the pandemic’s effect on the requirements for naturalization mandated by law.

Due to the pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) suspended in-person services earlier this year, including required interviews and oath ceremonies. That had meant that many applicants may miss the registration deadline to vote during this upcoming election. Some lawmakers are suggesting the oath be conducted remotely in addition to other emergency measures to progress the naturalization process. But, there are legal obstacles to doing that.