Understanding the Journey to U.S. Citizenship

For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. It can provide greater security, new opportunities, and a deeper sense of belonging in the country they call home. However, the journey to citizenship is often much longer and more complicated than many people realize.

Immigration conversations sometimes include the question, “Why don’t they just do it the right way?” While the question may sound simple, the U.S. immigration system is anything but simple. There is no single application process or waiting line available to everyone. For many people around the world, there may be no visa category for which they qualify, no eligible family member or employer to sponsor them, and no direct pathway to legally enter or remain in the United States.

Even when someone has an opportunity to apply for a visa or another immigration status, approval is not guaranteed. Eligibility may depend on family relationships, employment, humanitarian circumstances, country of origin, financial requirements, background checks, annual limits, and other factors. Some applicants wait years, or even decades, for an immigrant visa to become available. Others may never have a viable pathway.

Obtaining legal status is also not the same as becoming a U.S. citizen. Before most immigrants can apply for citizenship through naturalization, they must first become lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green card holders. Green cards are available only through specific eligibility categories, including certain family relationships, employment opportunities, refugee or asylum status, and other limited circumstances.

For many lawful permanent residents, the next step involves waiting at least five years before applying for citizenship. Some people married to U.S. citizens may qualify after three years, while different rules can apply to members of the military and certain children of U.S. citizens. Applicants must also meet requirements related to continuous residence, physical presence in the country, and good moral character.

Once eligible, an individual must complete an extensive application, provide supporting documentation, pay the required fees or request a fee waiver, complete biometrics when required, and attend an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. During the interview, most applicants must demonstrate basic English skills and pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government. The final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

Behind these formal requirements are personal challenges that are easy to overlook. Applicants may be learning English while working, raising families, and adjusting to life in a new country. They may struggle to locate records from many years ago, understand complicated questions, afford application expenses, or find transportation and time away from work. After investing so much in reaching this point, the pressure of the citizenship interview can be significant.

Still, many immigrants remain deeply committed to becoming U.S. citizens. Citizenship can represent security, the opportunity to vote, greater employment opportunities, the ability to obtain a U.S. passport, and a stronger voice in one’s community.

At YWCA Northwestern Illinois, we recognize the determination behind this journey. Through our New Americans Initiative (NAI), we provide citizenship education to help eligible community members prepare for the naturalization process. Participants strengthen their English skills, study U.S. history and government, practice interview questions, and build confidence as they prepare for this important milestone.

Our next citizenship class begins September 28. If you or someone you know is preparing for citizenship and would benefit from support, contact YWCA Northwestern Illinois–La Voz Latina at 815-968-9681, extension 261, to learn more.

The journey to citizenship is rarely simple, but no one should have to make it alone.

–  Diego Valdivia, Director, Immigrant Services, La Voz Latina