The process of obtaining US citizenship has slowed considerably in 2026, with approvals of naturalisation applications dropping 72% during the first eight months of the year compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The slowdown has left thousands of immigrants facing extended waits, with the number of pending applications exceeding 800,000 and the average processing time approaching 13 months.
According to a report by media, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved around 173,000 applicants for citizenship between January and August 2026. The figure represents a steep decline from the same period last year, raising concerns among immigrants who have been waiting to complete the naturalisation process.
The backlog of pending applications has risen from approximately 500,000 to more than 800,000, while processing times have increased significantly. Data cited in recent reports indicate that the average waiting period stood at about 12.7 months in August, compared with slightly more than seven months at the beginning of the year.
The decline in approvals comes amid tighter immigration screening measures introduced under US President Donald Trump’s administration. Authorities have increased scrutiny of citizenship applicants, with additional checks involving their backgrounds, personal conduct and social media activity. Applicants are also facing more stringent requirements relating to English proficiency and knowledge of US civics.
The administration has defended the changes, saying the enhanced screening measures are intended to ensure that citizenship is granted only to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. Officials have also stepped up reviews of certain cases that were approved during the administration of former president Joe Biden.
However, the sharp decline in approvals does not necessarily mean that significantly more applicants are being rejected. Reports indicate that the number of denials has also fallen, suggesting that the overall number of naturalisation cases being processed and decided has dropped substantially.
A separate report published by media on October 15 also highlighted the slowdown. According to the report, USCIS decided approximately 71,000 naturalisation cases between April and June 2026, compared with around 265,000 during the same quarter a year earlier.
The delays could have significant implications for immigrants hoping to participate in the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026. Lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green card holders, are not eligible to vote in federal elections. They must complete the naturalisation process and take the Oath of Allegiance before they acquire US citizenship and voting rights.
Even applicants whose interviews have been completed or whose applications have received approval may face additional delays before taking the oath and formally becoming citizens. Immigration lawyers have reported cases in which applicants have waited several months for citizenship ceremonies after receiving approval.
Some applicants have also approached federal courts seeking orders requiring immigration authorities to act on applications that have remained pending for extended periods. However, pursuing legal action can involve considerable expense and does not guarantee an immediate resolution in every case.
The delays extend beyond voting rights and can affect other aspects of immigrants’ lives. US citizenship provides additional protection against deportation and can make it easier to sponsor certain family members for immigration benefits. Prolonged uncertainty can therefore disrupt family plans, travel and other personal decisions for people who have lived in the country for years.
With the application backlog continuing to grow and processing times remaining lengthy, thousands of prospective citizens face uncertainty over when their cases will be resolved. For those hoping to become eligible to vote in November, completing the process in time has become increasingly difficult.
