The Trump administration implemented numerous changes to U.S. immigration policy between 2017 and 2021, fundamentally altering the citizenship and naturalization process for millions of aspiring Americans. These policy shifts created new barriers, extended processing times, and introduced additional scrutiny for individuals seeking to become U.S. citizens.

Understanding these changes remains crucial for anyone navigating the current immigration system. Many of these policies had lasting effects that continue to impact applicants today. For those seeking citizenship or facing immigration challenges, working with experienced attorneys in Dallas can help ensure proper guidance through this complex legal landscape.

The following analysis examines ten key ways the Trump administration transformed citizenship and naturalization processes, their impact on applicants, and the ongoing implications for immigration law.

Policy Changes That Reshaped Immigration

1. Increased Application Fees and Processing Costs

The Trump administration significantly raised fees for naturalization applications. The cost of filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) increased from $640 to $1,170, representing an 83% jump. This steep increase created financial barriers for many low-income applicants seeking citizenship.

The fee hikes extended beyond naturalization applications to include work permits, green card renewals, and other immigration benefits. These changes disproportionately affected immigrant families already struggling economically, forcing many to delay or abandon their citizenship applications entirely.

2. Enhanced Background Checks and Security Screening

New security protocols introduced more extensive background checks for citizenship applicants. The administration expanded the use of social media screening, requiring applicants to provide information about their online presence and activities. This change added months to processing times as officials reviewed digital footprints.

Additional biometric requirements were implemented, including expanded fingerprinting procedures. These enhanced security measures, while intended to strengthen national security, created longer wait times and additional costs for applicants.

3. Stricter English Language Requirements

The Trump administration tightened English proficiency standards for naturalization candidates. Officials began applying more stringent interpretations of the English test requirements, making it harder for applicants to pass the speaking, reading, and writing components.

New training materials for immigration officers emphasized stricter grading standards. This change particularly affected older immigrants and those from non-English speaking backgrounds, requiring additional preparation time and resources.

4. Expanded Grounds for Denial

Immigration officials received broader discretion to deny citizenship applications based on various factors. The administration encouraged officers to look more critically at applicants’ backgrounds, including minor infractions that previously might not have affected eligibility.

The policy changes also expanded the definition of “good moral character,” a key requirement for naturalization. This broader interpretation led to increased denials based on issues like unpaid taxes, traffic violations, or past immigration violations.

5. Dramatically Extended Processing Times

Average processing times for naturalization applications nearly doubled during the Trump administration. What previously took 6-8 months began taking 12-18 months or longer in many jurisdictions. These delays created uncertainty for applicants and their families.

The extended timelines particularly affected individuals facing deportation proceedings who needed citizenship protection. Many applicants found themselves in legal limbo, unable to travel or change employment while awaiting decisions on their cases.

6. Increased Interview Complexity and Scrutiny

Naturalization interviews became more intensive and detailed. Immigration officers began asking more probing questions about applicants’ backgrounds, travel history, and personal relationships. The interviews often lasted longer and required more extensive documentation.

Officers also began re-examining previously approved applications more frequently, leading to additional requests for evidence and follow-up interviews. This increased scrutiny created anxiety among applicants and required more thorough preparation with legal counsel.

7. Higher Standards for Civics Testing

The administration modified the civics portion of the naturalization test, making it more challenging. Changes included requiring correct answers to more questions and introducing more complex historical and governmental concepts.

These modifications particularly impacted applicants with limited formal education or those from countries with different governmental systems. Many had to invest additional time and resources in test preparation to meet the new standards.

8. Multiple Federal Lawsuits Filed

The policy changes triggered numerous federal lawsuits from immigrant advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and affected individuals. Courts across the country heard challenges to various aspects of the new naturalization requirements.

Several significant court decisions temporarily blocked or modified certain policy changes. These legal battles created additional uncertainty for applicants as policies shifted based on ongoing litigation outcomes.

9. Constitutional Questions Raised

Legal experts questioned whether some policy changes violated constitutional principles of due process and equal protection. The arbitrary nature of some denials and the lack of clear standards raised concerns about fair treatment of applicants.

Courts examined whether the increased fees and requirements created unconstitutional barriers to citizenship. These constitutional challenges highlighted the tension between immigration enforcement and fundamental fairness principles.

10. State-Level Responses and Variations

Individual states and local jurisdictions responded differently to federal policy changes. Some states provided additional resources to help residents prepare for citizenship applications, while others aligned closely with federal enforcement priorities.

This patchwork of responses created geographic disparities in how naturalization policies were implemented and enforced. Applicants in different regions experienced varying levels of difficulty in pursuing citizenship.

Moving Forward: Guidance for Current Applicants

The Trump administration’s immigration policies left a lasting impact on citizenship and naturalization, creating higher barriers, longer processing times, and stricter requirements that continue to affect applicants today. For those seeking to navigate this challenging legal environment, professional guidance is essential.

At K&M Law Group, our experienced immigration attorneys in Dallas, Texas, provide personalized support for every stage of the citizenship process. With decades of combined experience, our team helps clients prepare strong applications, address legal challenges, and stay informed about evolving immigration policies.

Whether you’re applying for naturalization, resolving complex immigration issues, or protecting your legal status, we offer trusted expertise and dedicated advocacy to help you achieve your American dream. 

Contact our Dallas immigration lawyers today for skilled, compassionate representation.