Why is it so hard to get U.S. citizenship?

It is hard because of the long processing times, the financial and personal costs involved, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States. The requirements of U.S. citizenship are also complex and may not be understandable to some immigrants.


What are the reasons to be denied U.S. citizenship?

Citizenship Denial Reasons
  • Having a Criminal Record. ...
  • Failing to Provide Child Care and Support. ...
  • Failing to Pay Taxes. ...
  • Committing Fraud on Your Citizenship Application. ...
  • Not Meeting Physical Presence Requirements. ...
  • Failing Your English or Civics Test During the Interview Process. ...
  • Forgetting Selective Service Registration.


Is the US the hardest country to get citizenship?

Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship.


Is American citizenship easy?

U.S. citizenship gives a person as many rights as the U.S. has to offer; for example, the right to vote in U.S. state and federal elections, petition for family members to immigrate to the U.S., and to live abroad without losing the right to return. For these reasons, citizenship is not easy to obtain.

What is the average wait time for U.S. citizenship?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).


How Hard Is It To Legally Enter The U.S.?



How long is citizenship process 2022?

At a Glance: Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is about 8 to 12 months. Keep track of your naturalization application on the USCIS website and stay in touch with your immigration lawyer for any advice.

How can I speed up my US citizenship?

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.

Do people fail U.S. citizenship test?

The diagram below shows that 96.1% of all applicants pass the naturalization test. In fiscal year 2021, almost 90% passed it during the initial interview, and another 6% of all applicants passed during a re-exam.


Who Cannot become a U.S. citizen?

Demonstrate a Lack of Good Moral Character

more. Violating any controlled substance law of the United States, any State, or any foreign country. confinement was 180 days or more during the past 5 years (or 3 years if you are applying based on your marriage to a United States citizen).

How many times can you fail U.S. citizenship?

An applicant has two opportunities to pass the English and civics tests: the initial examination and the re-examination interview. USCIS denies the naturalization application if the applicant fails to pass any portion of the tests after two attempts.

Which citizenship is most powerful?

Countries with the most powerful passports
  • Japan. 192.
  • Singapore. 192.
  • Germany. 190.
  • South Korea. 190.
  • Finland. 189.
  • Italy. 189.
  • Luxembourg. 189.
  • Spain. 189.


What citizenship is easiest to get?

The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide
  • Malta.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • St. Kitts and Nevis.
  • Turkey.


Which citizenship is hardest to obtain?

17 Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship [REVEALED]
  • Qatar.
  • Vatican City.
  • Liechtenstein.
  • Bhutan.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Kuwait.
  • Switzerland.
  • China.


Can I lose my green card if my citizenship is denied?

Ordinarily, denial of U.S. citizenship leaves the person with permanent residence, but there's a risk of green card cancellation and deportation.


Why do people fail citizenship interviews?

The first most common reason for a naturalization denial is failing the Civics and English component of the test at the interview. Although the Civics and English component of the test seems easy enough, failing the exam is more common than you think.

How often is citizenship denied?

Citizenship Denials and Delays. Even though the N-400 naturalization form is one of the least complicated aspects of immigration, a sizeable 10% of applicants find that they've been denied citizenship each year.

What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
  • Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;


What are 3 ways to lose citizenship?

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:
  1. Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions)
  2. Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions)
  3. Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.


Can I lose my citizenship if I divorce?

If you obtained your citizenship through marriage, you are entitled to that citizenship even after a divorce.

How can I avoid the citizenship test?

English and civics citizenship test exemption

You can get an exemption from both the English and civics tests if: You have a physical or developmental disability or medical impairment. Your medical disability affects your ability to show you understand English and U.S. civics.


What is the hardest question on the citizenship test?

Arguably the hardest question on the U.S. citizenship test is number 67: The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. This answer is unknown to even most American citizens because the Federalist Party ceased to exist back in 1824.

Who can skip citizenship test?

Applicants with a medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months can apply for an exemption from the English test, the civics test, or both. Qualified medical conditions include: Physical disabilities. Developmental disabilities.

Why is U.S. citizenship taking so long?

Processing times for Form N-400 (officially called the “Application for Naturalization”) have increased significant between FY 2017 and FY 2022, with FY2021 processing times averaging 11 months. The spike in recent years is largely due to a naturalization application backlog.


What is the easiest country for an American to get citizenship?

The Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship through Residency by Investment Programs. Many countries grant qualifying individuals temporary and permanent residence permits in exchange for an investment in their economies. These include Spain, Portugal, and Greece.

What is the shortest time to get citizenship?

The fastest way to obtain citizenship is in Vanuatu; on average, it takes a month. Caribbean citizenship has become popular among entrepreneurs.