US Naturalization Processing Slows as Backlog Surpasses 800,000
Indiadailyupdate.com – Thousands of lawful permanent residents seeking to become US citizens are facing a significantly slower naturalization process in 2026, with the decline in completed cases raising concerns for people hoping to vote in the November midterm elections.
During the first eight months of 2026, citizenship approvals fell by 72% from the level recorded in the same period a year earlier. At the same time, the number of pending naturalization applications climbed from roughly 500,000 to more than 800,000. The average wait for a decision has reached nearly 13 months.
For immigrants who have spent years living in the country with green cards, the slowdown has consequences that extend beyond paperwork. Naturalization grants the ability to vote in federal elections, strengthens legal protections and may make it easier to petition for certain family members to receive immigration benefits.
Stricter Screening During Trump Administration
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has increased its scrutiny of applicants under President Donald Trump’s administration. The revised approach includes more extensive reviews of applicants’ personal histories, character and social media activity, along with more demanding English-language and civics expectations.
Officials have also focused attention on cases that received approval during former President Joe Biden’s administration. The administration has maintained that stronger screening is needed to make sure citizenship is awarded only to people who meet all eligibility standards.
Naturalization is generally the final step for eligible green card holders who wish to become US citizens. Applicants must meet residency rules, satisfy character requirements, complete interviews and testing, and take the oath of allegiance. A favorable decision alone does not immediately make an applicant eligible to vote.
Only after taking the oath of allegiance does an approved applicant become a US citizen. That distinction is particularly important as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Green card holders are not permitted to vote in federal elections, even if their citizenship application has been approved but their ceremony has not yet taken place.
Fewer Decisions Overall
The sharp drop in approvals does not appear to mean that refusals have increased at the same pace. Denials have declined as well, indicating that fewer naturalization applications are being resolved overall.
Recent quarterly figures also point to a substantial year-on-year reduction in the number of citizenship cases handled by USCIS. For applicants, the practical effect is prolonged uncertainty, whether their cases are awaiting an interview, an agency decision or a citizenship ceremony.
Some immigrants have encountered delays after completing major portions of the process, including interviews. Others remain in limbo while waiting for ceremonies that would formally complete their path to citizenship. In some cases, applicants have turned to federal courts and filed lawsuits seeking action on long-pending matters.
Election Deadline Adds Pressure
The timing of the backlog matters greatly to applicants who want to participate in the November 2026 elections. A person must finish every required stage of naturalization before registering and voting as a citizen. Delays of several months can therefore determine whether an otherwise eligible resident is able to cast a ballot this election cycle.
Citizenship also offers protections that are meaningful beyond electoral participation. While the rules governing immigration remain complex and individual circumstances vary, becoming a citizen can provide greater security against deportation and open additional avenues for family-based immigration sponsorship.
For families, long waits can disrupt plans involving reunification, travel, work and future immigration filings. Applicants may have completed years of lawful residence and preparation only to face uncertainty over when USCIS will conclude their cases.
The expanding backlog illustrates how tighter review practices can affect immigrants pursuing citizenship through established legal channels. As the midterm election draws nearer, many applicants remain uncertain whether interviews, decisions and oath ceremonies will be completed in enough time for them to become voters in 2026.
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