Visa Lawyer Blog
The Trump administration has significantly slowed the naturalization process, with 73% fewer citizenship applications decided over the past year.
These delays are leaving thousands of immigrants waiting longer to become U.S. citizens.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ latest quarterly data show it decided around 71,000 cases between April and June 2026, compared to around 265,000 during the same period last year.
The slowdown comes as USCIS introduces stricter screening requirements, expands background checks, and increases scrutiny of applicants seeking U.S. citizenship.
Key Highlights
- 73% fewer decisions: USCIS decided approximately 71,000 naturalization applications between April and June 2026, compared to 265,000 during the same period in 2025.
- 75% drop in approvals: Citizenship approvals fell by approximately 75% compared to the previous year.
- 140,179 applications received: USCIS received more than 140,000 new applications for U.S. citizenship during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026.
- 54,974 applications approved: Fewer than 55,000 applicants received approval for naturalization during the quarter.
- Longer processing times: Average naturalization wait times increased from just over seven months at the beginning of 2026 to more than 12 months by August.
- Higher denial rates: In Los Angeles, the denial rate more than doubled to over 18%. In Baltimore, it rose to 35%, compared to less than 7% a year earlier.
- Fewer applications: Naturalization filings also declined in several major USCIS field offices, including Chicago, Phoenix, and Seattle.
What does the latest data show?
Based on USCIS’s FY 2026 Q3 data:
Naturalization applications April–June 2026 Applications received 140,179 Applications approved 54,974 Applications denied 12,591 Total decisions 67,565 Applications pending 727,371
USCIS Naturalization Applications: FY 2025 vs. FY 2026 (Third Quarter)
A comparison of USCIS naturalization data from the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (April–June 2025) and the same period in fiscal year 2026 (April–June 2026) reveals a significant decline in both citizenship applications and approvals.
Key Highlights
- 43% Decline in Applications Received: USCIS received 140,179 naturalization applications during the third quarter of FY 2026, compared to 245,879 during the same quarter in FY 2025.
- 77% Decline in Citizenship Approvals: USCIS approved only 54,974 naturalization applications during the third quarter of FY 2026, compared to 236,924 approvals a year earlier.
- Significant Slowdown in Processing: Citizenship approvals declined substantially faster than new applications, highlighting a sharp reduction in the number of naturalization cases approved.
Comparison of USCIS Naturalization Data
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Source: USCIS Immigration and Citizenship Quarterly Data Reports (FY 2025 Q3 and FY 2026 Q3).
Why Are Citizenship Approvals Declining?
USCIS has shifted toward stricter screening and vetting of citizenship applications, emphasizing fraud prevention and eligibility verification.
The agency has also introduced several policy changes affecting the naturalization process, including:
- A more challenging naturalization civics test.
- Expanded scrutiny of applicants’ good moral character.
- Additional background checks and investigative measures.
- Increased use of interviews and closer examination of applicants’ immigration histories.
USCIS argues that these measures are intended to ensure that citizenship is granted only to individuals who meet the legal requirements.
Naturalization Processing Times Continue to Rise
The slowdown is affecting applicants nationwide, although wait times vary considerably by location. At the start of the year, the average wait time for a naturalization application was just over seven months. In August, the wait time climbed to over a year.
Some USCIS field offices, including Baltimore, Boise, Fort Myers, and Fresno, reported processing times of 15 months or longer.
What Does This Mean for Citizenship Applicants?
Applicants filing Form N-400 should prepare for potentially longer processing times and closer review of their eligibility.
Those applying for citizenship should consider the following steps:
- Review your eligibility: Confirm that you meet the residency, physical presence, good moral character, and other naturalization requirements. If you have a criminal history or prior immigration violations, consult an immigration attorney before filing to assess your eligibility, identify necessary supporting evidence, and address potential challenges early in the process.
- Prepare for the citizenship test: Review the civics and English testing requirements applicable to your filing date.
- Check your application status: Monitor your USCIS account for interview notices, document requests, and case updates.
- Address potential complications: Consult an immigration attorney if you have prior arrests, immigration violations, extended travel outside the United States, or other eligibility concerns.
- Evaluate legal options for prolonged delays: Applicants experiencing unreasonable delays may wish to consult an attorney about available remedies, including federal litigation where appropriate.
The Bottom Line
The latest USCIS statistics show a significant decline in citizenship approvals, accompanied by longer processing times and increased scrutiny of naturalization applications.
Although eligible permanent residents can still apply for U.S. citizenship, applicants should prepare for a more demanding process and potentially lengthy delays.
With citizenship approvals declining and wait times increasing, applicants cannot afford to overlook potential issues that could further delay or jeopardize their cases.
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