New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- Thousands of immigrants hoping to become US citizens have seen their naturalisation ceremonies abruptly cancelled amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, leaving many in confusion and distress as they await a new date to take the Oath of Allegiance.

People were gathered at a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Virginia, clutching their naturalisation notices and small American flags - ready to take their final step toward citizenship.

But moments before the US Citizenship ceremony was due to begin, a staff member delivered unexpected news: the event had been cancelled because of the government shutdown, according to BBC report.

"You should have been notified," the staff member at the de...