New Citizens Navigate Evolving U.S. Naturalization Process

Florencia Paz, an immigrant from Italy and Argentina, marked a significant milestone in January, becoming a U.S. citizen at the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. She was part of a ceremony that welcomed 103 new citizens from 40 different countries. After 13 years in the U.S., Paz described her citizenship as both joyful and a profound relief, recognizing her journey as common to many Americans.

Paz described her citizenship, achieved after 13 years in the U.S., as both joyful and a profound relief, noting that her journey is common to many Americans.

NPR attended three naturalization ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia, observing these events amidst a year marked by unexpected hurdles and changes to the naturalization process. These changes include U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) pausing the processing of existing immigration applications, including naturalizations, for immigrants from 39 countries with travel restrictions to the U.S.

A Shifting Landscape for Naturalization

Barbara Zia of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia reported a decrease in the number of individuals naturalized at recent ceremonies. A January ceremony saw 104 new citizens, fewer than the typical 125, and a February ceremony was canceled. When questioned about these numbers and cancellations, USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser stated that the agency would not "take shortcuts in the adjudications process."

USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser stated that the agency would not "take shortcuts in the adjudications process" when questioned about these numbers and cancellations.

The Value of Citizenship

Nicole Melaku, executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, highlighted the comprehensive benefits of citizenship. She noted that it provides access to better jobs, opportunities, home ownership, and the ability to run for office, describing it as "an ultimate act of inclusion."

Nicole Melaku ... highlighted that citizenship provides access to better jobs, opportunities, home ownership, and the ability to run for office, describing it as 'an ultimate act of inclusion.'

Naturalization Data and Trends

In fiscal year 2024, USCIS naturalized more than 818,000 citizens. Preliminary data for the first six months of fiscal year 2025 indicated approximately 517,000 naturalization applications, a figure consistent with the previous year, although anecdotal evidence suggests approved applications may be lower.

Ceremonies Across the Nation

At a ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, Judge John F. Anderson presided over the naturalization of 46 individuals from various countries, including El Salvador, Ukraine, and India. Ashley Lezama Moreno from Honduras described her naturalization as "amazing" and "the beginning of the chapter."

Ashley Lezama Moreno from Honduras described her naturalization as 'amazing' and 'the beginning of the chapter.'

Policy Shifts and Hurdles

The Trump administration has implemented measures to make citizenship more challenging and limit legal migration. Judge Anderson observed that new citizens present at the ceremony included individuals from countries recently placed on immigrant visa ban lists, such as Brazil, Egypt, Guatemala, and Nepal.

Zaida Meza from Guatemala, who had applied for naturalization 18 months prior, completed her process before the new immigrant visa bans. She expressed a desire to vote in federal elections.

In October, USCIS introduced a longer and more difficult citizenship test. Additionally, a proposed rule would allow officers to consider an immigrant's legal use of public benefits, such as food stamps and healthcare, as a reason to deny status. In December, the Trump administration halted processing green card and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries with travel restrictions, expanding this in January to indefinitely halt immigrant visa processing for 75 additional countries. The administration has also renewed focus on denaturalization.

USCIS spokesperson Tragesser commented on the past, saying, "For years, the Biden administration prioritized rubber-stamping naturalization applications with minimal vetting," adding that the agency plans "rigorous screening and vetting processes across the country."

USCIS spokesperson Tragesser commented, "For years, the Biden administration prioritized rubber-stamping naturalization applications with minimal vetting," adding that the agency plans "rigorous screening and vetting processes across the country."

Disruptions and Delays

Naturalization ceremonies have also experienced numerous disruptions. From October to mid-November, ceremonies nationwide were canceled due to a government shutdown. Other ceremonies have been canceled last-minute, often without explanation. Karim Hamouda from Egypt, for instance, experienced multiple cancellations before his naturalization in January.

Commitment Amidst Uncertainty

Cori Alonso-Yoder, director of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Maryland, observed significant anxiety among clients regarding the citizenship process but affirmed that naturalization processes continue, with individuals committed to becoming citizens. David Diemert from Canada, who applied for naturalization in March last year, stated that becoming a citizen provided a "measure of security" and aimed for the U.S. to uphold its ideals.

David Diemert from Canada ... stated that becoming a citizen provided a 'measure of security' and aimed for the U.S. to uphold its ideals.