World
US citizenship approvals plunge 72%; with staggering 13-month average wait time
By: Hindustan Times World
Published: 24 October 2026
Photo / Illustration: Haldwani Times News Desk
<p>US citizenship approvals have plunged 72% in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, leaving thousands of immigrants waiting to become American citizens and potentially unable to vote in the November midterm elections, according to a Washington Post report.</p>
<p>The delays are affecting immigrants who have lived in the United States for years as lawful permanent residents and are seeking citizenship, which would give them the right to vote in federal elections and provide additional protections under US law.</p>
<p>US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stepped up scrutiny of naturalization applicants under President Donald Trump's administration, introducing tougher vetting measures and stricter requirements for applicants.</p>
<p>According to the Washington Post, the administration has expanded checks involving applicants' backgrounds, character and social media activity, alongside more demanding English and civics requirements. Officials have also prioritized reviewing cases approved under former president Joe Biden.</p>
<p>The administration has defended the changes as necessary to strengthen screening and ensure that citizenship is granted only to eligible applicants.</p>
<p>However, the decline in approvals does not necessarily indicate a comparable increase in rejected applications. The Washington Post reported that denials have also declined, suggesting that fewer applications are being decided overall.</p>
<p>A Bloomberg Law report, published on October 15, similarly found that USCIS had sharply reduced the number of naturalization cases it decided, with the agency's latest quarterly figures showing a substantial year-on-year fall.</p>
<p>The slowdown has particular consequences for immigrants hoping to participate in the November 2026 midterm elections. Green card holders cannot vote in federal elections, and applicants do not become US citizens simply because their naturalization applications have been approved.</p>
<p>They must complete the citizenship process, including taking the oath of allegiance, before they can vote as citizens.</p>
<p>The Washington Post reported that some applicants have experienced delays in interviews and citizenship ceremonies, leaving them uncertain about when their applications will be completed. Some have turned to federal lawsuits seeking to compel immigration authorities to act on pending cases.</p>
<p>Citizenship can also provide greater security against deportation and make it easier to sponsor certain family members for immigration benefits. Prolonged delays can therefore affect applicants' personal and family plans beyond their ability to vote.</p>
<p>The growing backlog highlights the impact of the administration's tighter immigration screening policies on people pursuing citizenship through legal channels. With the midterm elections approaching, applicants awaiting decisions face uncertainty over whether they will complete the process in time to participate.</p>
<p>Asmi is a Senior Content Producer primarily covering stories related to NRIs, immigration, visas, citizenship and global mobility. She closely follows developments that affect Indians living, working and studying abroad, with a particular focus on translating complex policies and international developments into clear, accessible stories for readers. As part of the US Desk, Asmi also reports on a wide range of political, economic and social developments in the United States, exploring their relevance to Indian and global audiences. Her work spans breaking news, features, trends and explanatory stories, with an emphasis on accuracy, timely reporting and audience-focused storytelling. Asmi likes finding the human angle behind major developments and bringing context to stories that can often feel complicated or distant. She is especially interested in stories around immigration, life abroad, careers, education and the experiences of the Indian diaspora, while also exploring a wide range of topics that spark curiosity and conversation. Outside the newsroom, Asmi is an avid reader and loves travelling, discovering new places, experiencing different cultures and collecting stories along the way.Read More</p>
