Feds cut ties with Campbell theater, clouding path to citizenship for South Bay immigrants

ABOUT SEVEN PEOPLE gathered in a confused cluster around a notice on the windows of the Heritage Theatre in Campbell to learn their path to citizenship was no longer available there.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) canceled its longstanding contract with the theater March 12 due to a “termination for convenience of the government” clause. The cancellation came just weeks before hundreds of people were scheduled to take the oath of allegiance at the theater’s naturalization ceremony, the final step needed to become a U.S. citizen. USCIS is directing prospective citizens who would have used the theater to the San Jose field office. Advocates said taking away the theater and its large capacity will likely lead to longer wait times on citizenship journeys that take years.