Stricter exams, deeper background checks, and new suspensions leave many in limbo
The path to becoming a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process has become increasingly difficult under the Trump administration, which has imposed stricter rules and suspended these processes for many immigrants, leaving them in limbo and mired in uncertainty.
To obtain U.S. citizenship, applicants generally must be permanent residents for at least five years and pass an exam that assesses their knowledge of civics and U.S. history, as well as their English proficiency, with tests of listening, reading, and writing skills.
Citizenship is the most important benefit of the U.S. immigration system. For the government, naturalization represents the full integration into the system of an immigrant who has met a series of legal and civic requirements. For most immigrants, it is the most coveted benefit, representing stability and a sense of belonging. When immigrants obtain citizenship, they pledge to uphold the Constitution and participate in the country’s democratic life, which includes duties such as jury service, defending the nation, and the right to vote. Naturalized citizens make up at least 13% of the US electorate, a figure that has grown rapidly over the past two decades, according to studies. Since the end of the pandemic, the number of naturalizations has remained between 800,000 and 900,000 annually. Although the 2025 statistics have not yet been released, projections indicate that the total will return to that range.
But this momentum is now clashing with the immigration policies of the Trump administration, which has begun to change the rules and, in recent months, has tightened the process and altered the system designed to facilitate access to citizenship. For many, the path has become longer, more uncertain, or has been abruptly halted.
Last year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new version of the exam in response to an executive order from Trump, and it is now more rigorous. The question bank was expanded from 100 to 128, and the number of questions during the interview increased from 10 to 20. Previously, only six correct answers were required to pass, but now at least 12 are needed. The process also now includes more extensive background checks, with neighborhood visits and interviews with neighbors and employers to “verify whether applicants meet the requirements to be in the country, their character, and their degree of assimilation into our way of life,” according to authorities.
Now, an even more drastic measure has been added to these changes. Following the deaths of two National Guard members in Washington in November—a crime for which an Afghan migrant has been charged—the government suspended all immigration processes and ordered a review of already approved applications—including naturalization—for people from a rapidly expanding list of countries considered “high risk.” The announcement drew sharp criticism of the administration, even within its own party, and caused confusion among those about to swear allegiance to the country.
Doris Meissner, who served as commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service during the Clinton administration, told that the measures appear to be efforts by the Trump administration “to discourage naturalization and create a climate of intimidation.”
