Becoming a U.S. citizen has never been simple—and that’s by design. Naturalization is a multi-year journey that demands persistence, extensive documentation, multiple appointments, and a great deal of patience. In recent months, that journey has grown even more complex, as policy changes have reshaped fees, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
This guide breaks down the most significant policy shifts affecting naturalization and citizenship as of early 2026. By understanding changes in testing, evaluation standards, and administrative processes, we can better support aspiring Americans as they navigate the path to citizenship.
1. The Naturalization Exam (Civics Test)
The civics portion of the naturalization process underwent a major revision for applicants filing Form N-400 on or after Oct. 20, 2025.
- The question pool has expanded from 100 to 128 questions.
- Applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly (previously 6 out of 10).
- The updated test places greater emphasis on American history and constitutional principles, making it more rigorous and demanding.
2. Good moral character assessment
A policy memorandum issued in August 2025 shifted how “good moral character” is evaluated. Rather than relying on a simple checklist, officers now assess a broader, more holistic picture of an applicant’s conduct over time. The focus is on a pattern of good behavior rather than just the absence of a criminal record.
Key evaluation:
- Positive contributions: Community involvement, caregiving responsibilities, and educational attainment
- Financial integrity: Full compliance with tax obligations and demonstrated financial responsibility
- Rehabilitation: Applicants with past concerns must now show clear evidence of genuine reform—for example, resolving overdue child support or other obligations.
3. Diversity visa lottery pause
- On Dec. 18, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stopped issuing new diversity visas. The pause followed a security review prompted by a high-profile criminal case involving a former lottery recipient. As a result, all pending applications and status adjustments under the Diversity Visa (DV) program are currently on hold.
4. Birthright citizenship
Executive Order 14160, issued in January 2025, seeks to limit automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. based on their parents’ immigration status This includes families here on temporary but legal pathways, such as humanitarian parole or H-1B visas.
- The policy is currently blocked by a nationwide injunction following the case Trump v. Barbara.
- The Supreme Court heard arguments on this case on April 1, 2026, with a final decision expected by June.
5. Denaturalization
Recent internal directives signal a significant increase in efforts to review and, in certain cases, revoke citizenship.
- USCIS field offices have been instructed to refer 100–200 cases per month to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential denaturalization.
- A specialized DOJ unit is reviewing individuals naturalized after January 2021
- Investigations focus on identifying potential misrepresentations or fraud in initial applications
6. Administrative delays
Administrative processing has also become more uncertain.
- As of Jan. 1, 2026, a USCIS memo placed an automatic hold on final decisions for applicants from approximately 40 designated "high-risk" countries (including those listed in Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998).
- Many applicants may complete interviews but remain in "extended review" indefinitely.
- Reports indicate last-minute cancellations of oath ceremonies due to new re-vetting protocols
As the immigration landscape continues to evolve through executive actions and court decisions, staying informed is more important than ever. Understanding these changes helps ensure that the path to citizenship—while challenging—remains navigable for those working toward it.
