Civic participation is a cornerstone of successful immigrant integration. For many immigrants, participation begins on a local level with efforts to keep their neighborhoods safe, improve their children’s schools, and provide support for other newcomers. Participation often extends into the political realm as immigrants seek to become advocates and representatives for their communities. Immigrants benefit from civic engagement on a local level as it promotes leadership development. However, many immigrants seek to take their civic participation to the next level by applying to become citizens.

Unfortunately, the citizenship process is becoming increasingly difficult, with higher fees, longer waits, and more difficult testing to contend with.

• USCIS is changing the citizenship test to include a broader range of topics, including geography and more detailed history.
• USCIS has also raised application fees. In July 2007, the total cost to apply for naturalization rose from $400 to $675.
• More than 460,000 immigrants filed naturalization applications in July 2007 alone. The agency’s inadequate preparation led to a backlog of as much as 18 months as of late 2007.

Despite all of these impediments, immigrants still continue to apply for citizenship in record numbers.

• Of the 37.5 million immigrants in the US, 15.8 million (42%) are naturalized US citizens.
• An average of 576,000 immigrants became citizens during the past five years (FY2002-6). Approximately 85% of all naturalization applicants are approved.
• The Chicago area alone experienced a 30% spike in new citizens in 2007.

As citizens, immigrants are able to fully participate by voting and can have a real say in government policy. In doing so, they are reaffirming their commitment to their new home country. Elected officials must recognize this commitment by drafting policies that will move more lawful immigrants towards citizenship.

For more information on how to create partnerships that give people the opportunity to become citizens on the municipal, state, or federal level, see resources listed below.

Policy Ideas: