New Americans: Triumphs and Trials on the Path to Citizenship
In the heart of winter, Florencia Paz, an immigrant from Italy and Argentina, stood in line at the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., her excitement palpable despite the cold. With her husband and two young children in tow, she was about to take the final step in a journey that had begun 13 years earlier.
As she emerged from the courthouse, she was no longer just an immigrant; she was an American citizen, one of 104 new citizens from 40 different countries.
The Naturalization Process: Challenges and Delays
The naturalization process, however, is not always smooth. In recent years, the path to citizenship has become more challenging, with new hurdles and delays. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused the processing of applications from immigrants from 39 countries with travel restrictions, and the number of people being naturalized has decreased.
- In January, only 104 people were naturalized at the D.C. courthouse, down from the usual 125.
- The February ceremony was canceled altogether.
A Profound Personal Milestone
For many immigrants, becoming a citizen is more than just a legal formality; it is a profound personal milestone. It is a chance to:
- Fully belong
- Access better opportunities
- Participate in the civic life of the country
For others, it is a way to secure their future and that of their families. But the process is not always easy. Some have waited decades, while others have faced unexpected delays and cancellations.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
The Trump administration has made it more difficult to seek citizenship, with:
- A longer, tougher test
- A rule that allows officers to consider an immigrant's legal use of public benefits as a reason to deny status
- In December, the administration also halted processing green card and citizenship applications from nationals of 39 countries with travel restrictions to the U.S.
- In January, the list was expanded to halt processing immigrant visas indefinitely for 75 additional countries.
The Desire to Become an American Citizen Remains Strong
Despite these challenges, the desire to become an American citizen remains strong. In fiscal year 2024, USCIS naturalized more than 818,000 new citizens. Preliminary data for the first six months of 2025 shows about 517,000 people applying for naturalization, in line with the prior year. But anecdotal evidence suggests that approved applications could be lower than in the past.
A Standing-Room-Only Ceremony
At a morning ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, 46 soon-to-be citizens waited in a standing-room-only courtroom, holding mini-American flags and pamphlets titled "Congratulations on Becoming a U.S. Citizen."
Judge John F. Anderson, who presided over the ceremony, noted the diversity of the new citizens, hailing from countries as varied as El Salvador, Ukraine, and India.
A Mix of Emotions
For Ashley Lezama Moreno, of Honduras, the moment was a mix of emotions.
"It's some mixture of emotions only because it seems like it's impossible. You know, finally able to cross that finish line. And it just feels amazing. New opportunities, the beginning of the chapter."
The Journey is Not Always Smooth
Zaida Meza, of Guatemala, has lived in the United States for 21 years and applied to naturalize a year-and-a-half ago. She saved up money for years to afford a lawyer to guide her through the process. Her citizenship would likely have stalled indefinitely if she hadn't been approved last year, before the new immigrant visa bans.
The Reward is Immense
The path to citizenship is filled with triumphs and trials, but for those who make it, the reward is immense. It is a chance to:
- Fully belong
- Participate
- Build a future in the United States
