Applications for U.S. citizenship have experienced a significant decline, influenced by rising costs, administrative delays, and the apprehension caused by immigration policies under the Trump administration, as reported by Univisión.
According to statistics from the Department of Homeland Security, around 818,500 individuals became U.S. citizens in 2024. However, by 2025, this number plummeted to approximately 97,000.
Univisión highlighted that by April 2026, only 27,569 cases had been processed, marking a 72% decrease.
Experts quoted by the network attribute the drop to the uncertainty stirred by Trump's immigration policies, the increased processing fees, extended processing times, and the fear or hesitation among eligible residents to apply for citizenship.
Despite the nationwide decline, there are free programs designed to assist immigrants through the naturalization process.
In North Miami Beach, Florida, the public library offers citizenship preparation classes and assistance with the application process.
Yalilys Pérez, who teaches these classes, mentioned that the program collaborates closely with immigration authorities.
"We work together with the Department of Homeland Security, the USCIS. They provide us with all the information, guidance, and training to ensure we offer accurate information to our students," she stated.
The program caters to Spanish and Haitian Creole speakers, aiming primarily to prepare them for the naturalization interview conducted in English.
Among the students is Glenda, a Honduran immigrant who has lived in the United States for 30 years and now seeks citizenship amid the tightening immigration landscape.
"I want to take advantage of this opportunity and attempt to become a citizen to prepare myself, as the situation is becoming increasingly difficult," she expressed.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Monday a provisional final rule changing the affirmative asylum application process.
From now on, the agency has the authority to refer cases directly to immigration judges without first interviewing the applicant.
The rule, as stated in the official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) release, is effective immediately.
Understanding the Impact of Immigration Policy on Citizenship Applications
Why have U.S. citizenship applications decreased recently?
The decrease in U.S. citizenship applications is largely due to the fear and uncertainty generated by the Trump administration's immigration policies, increased costs, and longer processing times.
What assistance is available for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship?
Free programs are available to help immigrants with the naturalization process, including citizenship preparation classes and application assistance offered at places like the North Miami Beach Public Library.