The approval of naturalization applications in the United States has plummeted sharply, significantly delaying citizenship for many immigrants and impacting their ability to vote ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Immigration lawyers report a substantial slowdown in processing times, with applicants facing prolonged waits for interviews and ceremonies.

Several immigrants interviewed said these delays have disrupted their personal and professional lives. One applicant, who has lived in the U.S. for two decades, expressed frustration about being unable to exercise voting rights despite feeling fully invested in the country. In some areas, traditional naturalization ceremonies that often involve hundreds of new citizens have been paused since January. For example, in Milwaukee, these events ceased without clear explanation, resulting in fewer new registrants for voting drives. Similarly, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania—a crucial swing-state area with a Democratic lean—canceled ceremonies, with the next event scheduled for November 12, after the midterms.

The shift comes amid broader changes implemented by the Trump administration, which sought to tighten citizenship requirements. Early in his second term, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to restrict birthright citizenship, which the Supreme Court later blocked. The administration also increased efforts to denaturalize individuals alleged to have obtained citizenship improperly. Recently, federal agents searched the Washington residence of Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota), a Somali refugee, in a rare investigation reportedly centered on possible immigration fraud tied to her citizenship. DOJ officials indicated the search was part of a criminal probe authorized by a judge.

Experts warn these developments risk undermining the constitutional principle that naturalized citizens hold equal status to those born in the U.S. A Columbia University professor described the administration’s approach as eroding the value of naturalized citizenship.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has defended the heightened screening measures, citing reforms aimed at ensuring citizenship is granted only to qualified individuals. These measures include reinstating a tougher civics test, stricter English proficiency standards, expanded social media checks for “anti-American activities,” and more rigorous reviews of tax records and personal character, including interviews with acquaintances. Officials say naturalization is a privilege, not a right.

The increased scrutiny has also led USCIS to prioritize re-examination of cases approved under the Biden administration rather than advancing new applications. Some former Biden officials reject claims that prior processing was rushed or inadequate, labeling such allegations as ideologically driven.

Data shows that denials have also declined, suggesting fewer decisions overall rather than an increase in rejections. Average wait times for processing naturalization have more than doubled, rising from six months in mid-2025 to nearly 13 months a year later. Immigration attorneys report a backlog in scheduling interviews, and some recommend federal lawsuits—known as mandamus actions—to compel the government to act. These lawsuits, once rare, have become more common amid the delays.

Individual applicants describe personal hardships caused by the delays. One engineer in the Detroit area has had to limit international travel for work and avoid visiting family abroad while awaiting his citizenship interview. Others voice concerns about the risk of detention or deportation due to extended uncertainty over their status.

Several immigrants have filed lawsuits seeking timely decisions. For instance, a Brooklyn resident pursuing a medical residency sued after her naturalization process stalled, with a court ordering USCIS to act by mid-November. Another applicant faced intense questioning during multiple interviews before finally being sworn in as a citizen.

While pursuing legal action can be costly, immigration attorneys say USCIS often complies with court orders rather than contesting the cases.

Some applicants, such as a chief medical director who applied after Germany eased dual citizenship rules, have succeeded in obtaining citizenship following legal intervention. Yet they acknowledge that many are unable to afford such options.

The prolonged delays and procedural changes have left many aspiring citizens in limbo, fueling uncertainty about their futures and participation in the upcoming elections.