2025 sees volatile shifts in U.S. naturalization processes

This week, newly released data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed that 2025 was one of the most volatile years for U.S. naturalizations. Johanan Rivera, who became a U.S. citizen after 15 years as a permanent resident, stated, "The second Trump administration came into office, and [my partner and I] wanted more certainty about being able to live in the same country."

The data shows that while the year began with high rates of citizenship applications, by the end, fewer immigrants were applying and even fewer were granted citizenship. Felicia Escobar Carrillo, former USCIS chief of staff under the Biden administration, noted, "The fear is pretty pervasive. I think that people are just going to think twice about whether to apply." At the peak of 2025, 88,488 applications were approved in one month, but this number dropped to 32,862 by January 2026.

Experts attribute this decline to President Trump's restrictive immigration policies and increased scrutiny of applications. Margy O'Herron, a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, remarked, "What we see from this administration... is an effort to define who is an American." Nicole Melaku, executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, added that the administration's messaging contrasts with the declining number of naturalizations, indicating a slow-walking of citizenship opportunities.

USCIS has implemented stricter evaluation processes, including reintroducing the 2020 naturalization civics test and increased vetting for applicants from high-risk countries. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated, "USCIS has taken an 'America First' approach... ensuring that it serves the nation's interests and protects and prioritizes Americans over foreign nationals."

The fluctuations in applications and approvals reflect a broader uncertainty in the immigration landscape, with many potential applicants possibly feeling discouraged by the current political climate. As the year progressed, the number of naturalizations decreased significantly, with approvals dropping from over 70,000 in October to only 58,692.

What to watch: The impact of upcoming immigration policy changes on naturalization rates.