How Difficult Is It to Become a Legal Citizen of the United States?

To many, the United States represents the "land of opportunity," a place where anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination. But becoming a legal citizen, especially for immigrants, is a different beast entirely. The process isn't just about dreams—it’s about endurance, patience, and often, navigating a system that can feel almost insurmountable. This article will unpack the complexities of obtaining U.S. citizenship and explore why it's often considered one of the most challenging in the world.

The Process of U.S. Citizenship: A Long Road Ahead

Becoming a legal citizen of the United States is a multi-step process that can take years, even if someone is already living in the country legally. The most common path to citizenship is through naturalization, which requires:

1. Legal Permanent Residency (Green Card): To apply for citizenship, most immigrants first need to have been legal permanent residents for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Gaining a green card often means going through a separate, often lengthy process that can involve sponsorship by a family member or employer, or obtaining refugee status.

2. Continuous Residence and Physical Presence: The applicant must have lived in the United States for at least half of the required residency period (i.e., 30 months of the five years).

3. Good Moral Character: The applicant must prove they have “good moral character.” This vague requirement includes staying out of legal trouble, paying taxes, and generally abiding by U.S. laws and customs.

4. English and Civics Test: The applicant needs to demonstrate an understanding of basic English and knowledge of U.S. government and history. While this might sound easy, for non-English speakers and people from countries with vastly different educational systems, this can be a massive hurdle.

5. The Naturalization Interview: This involves appearing before a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, answering questions about the applicant’s background, the application, and their knowledge of English and U.S. civics.

6. Oath of Allegiance: If all goes well, the last step is the oath of allegiance ceremony, where the applicant officially renounces allegiance to their home country and pledges loyalty to the United States.

Why Is It So Difficult?

The bureaucratic challenges of becoming a U.S. citizen are well-documented. There are several reasons for these hurdles:

Lengthy Processing Times

The waiting times for obtaining a green card alone can range from a few months to several years, depending on the applicant's situation. Those applying for citizenship after obtaining a green card often wait years just to get their application processed. Some cases can take over a decade due to backlogs.

For instance, in 2023, the average time to process a naturalization application was approximately 14 months. However, this varies widely by state, and for some immigrants, particularly those from high-demand countries, it can take significantly longer.

Costly Fees

The application fee for naturalization in 2024 is $725, which includes $640 for the application and $85 for biometric services (fingerprints, background checks, etc.). This is on top of the thousands of dollars many immigrants have already spent on obtaining a green card. For low-income families, these fees can be prohibitively expensive.

Complexity and Paperwork

The application process is notoriously complex, requiring detailed documentation and precision. A single mistake on an application can delay the process by months, or even years. Hiring an immigration attorney is often necessary, but that can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, adding to the financial burden.

Stringent Background Checks

USCIS conducts extensive background checks, which may include criminal records, employment history, and ties to the home country. Any discrepancies or concerns can lead to delays, interviews, or even denial of the application. This is particularly challenging for refugees and asylum seekers who may have fled conflict zones and lack comprehensive documentation.

Fear of Rejection

The fear of rejection looms large. After years of navigating the process, an application can still be denied for reasons that seem unclear. The USCIS uses discretion in determining moral character and can deny applications if they believe an individual does not meet subjective criteria.

Barriers to Entry: A Global Comparison

When compared to other nations, the United States has one of the more stringent paths to citizenship. While countries like Canada and Australia have streamlined processes and offer clearer pathways to skilled immigrants, the U.S. immigration system is criticized for its unpredictability.

Comparison of Naturalization Requirements

From the table, it's clear that the U.S. has among the longest residency requirements and some of the highest fees, not to mention unpredictable processing times. It's no wonder many immigrants feel the system is stacked against them.

Success Stories: The Rarity of a Smooth Process

There are, of course, success stories—those who navigate the process smoothly and are able to attain citizenship in a timely manner. These cases often involve applicants with significant resources, legal support, and straightforward backgrounds. For example, professionals in high-demand industries (like tech) who are sponsored by employers tend to have fewer obstacles compared to refugees, family reunification applicants, or individuals from countries facing strict immigration quotas.

However, these stories are exceptions rather than the rule. For most immigrants, the journey to citizenship is fraught with obstacles, financial strain, and uncertainty.

The Emotional Toll

It's easy to focus on the logistical hurdles of gaining citizenship, but the emotional toll is equally significant. Immigrants often feel caught between two worlds, facing homesickness while also struggling to assimilate in a new culture. The long waits, the constant fear of rejection, and the sheer complexity of the process can cause immense stress.

Many applicants have families still in their home countries, and the drawn-out nature of the process can delay reunification for years. For those fleeing violence or persecution, the stakes are even higher. Their future, and sometimes their lives, depend on being accepted into the U.S. as citizens.

Proposed Reforms: Is Change on the Horizon?

Over the years, many have called for immigration reform in the United States. Proposed changes include:

• Reducing Fees: Advocates argue that lowering or waiving fees for low-income applicants would make citizenship more accessible.

• Streamlining the Process: Simplifying paperwork and improving communication from USCIS could reduce delays and errors. For instance, better online application systems and clearer instructions would ease much of the confusion that applicants face.

• Eliminating Arbitrary Backlogs: Clearing up visa backlogs and speeding up the application process, especially for family reunification and humanitarian cases, would benefit both immigrants and the U.S. economy.

However, immigration reform remains a contentious political issue, with strong opinions on both sides. As a result, while small changes may be implemented over time, the larger structural issues are unlikely to be resolved quickly.

Is It Worth It?

Despite the many challenges, countless immigrants continue to pursue U.S. citizenship, driven by the promise of better opportunities, safety, and a place to call home. For those who succeed, the moment of taking the Oath of Allegiance represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

Still, the question remains: should the process be so difficult? While the goal is to ensure that new citizens are fully committed to the country and its values, the current system often leaves deserving individuals in limbo, while others may be deterred entirely.

Becoming a legal citizen of the United States is undeniably difficult. But for those who navigate the process successfully, it is an achievement that brings not only legal rights and protections but also a sense of belonging in a country they have long called home.