The number of naturalization applications in the United States has dropped sharply, amid rising costs, administrative delays, and the fear caused by the immigration policies of the Trump administration, according to Univisión.
The report, based on statistics from the Department of Homeland Security, indicated that in 2024, approximately 818,500 people were granted U.S. citizenship, while in 2025 the number dropped to about 97,000.
Univisión reported that, by April 2026, only 27,569 cases had been completed, representing a 72% reduction.
Among the main causes of the decline, experts cited by the network mentioned the uncertainty generated by the immigration policies of the Trump administration, the increase in processing fees, the lengthening of processing times, and the fear or doubts among residents who meet the requirements to apply for citizenship.
Despite the nationwide decline, there are free programs available to assist immigrants during the process.
At the North Miami Beach Public Library in Florida, citizenship preparation classes are offered, along with assistance to complete the necessary application form.
Yalilys Pérez, the teacher of those classes, explained that the program operates in coordination with immigration authorities.
"We work closely with the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS. They provide us with all the information, guidance, and training so we can provide the correct information to the students," he stated.
The program provides assistance to Spanish speakers and those who speak Haitian Creole, with the primary goal of preparing them to conduct their naturalization interview in English.
Among the students is Glenda, a Honduran immigrant who has lived in the United States for 30 years and now wants to obtain citizenship in light of the tightening immigration landscape.
"I want to take advantage of this time and I want to try to be a citizen to prepare myself, because the situation is becoming more complicated every day," she declared.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this Monday a provisional final rule that transforms the affirmative asylum application process.
From now on, the agency will be able to refer cases directly to immigration judges without the need to interview the applicant first.
The measure, published in the official statement of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), takes effect immediately.
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