Shocking Decline in Newly Naturalized Citizens in Chicago Area in 2026
The number of new American citizens naturalized in the Chicago area this year has seen a significant decrease. According to data from federal courts and related agencies, since January of this year, the number of naturalized citizens in the northern Illinois region has dropped by over 80% compared to the same period in previous years, raising concerns among immigrant rights groups and the legal community.
In 2022, the peak of new naturalized citizens in the northern Illinois region was close to 33,000. However, as of now this year, only about 3,800 people have been granted citizenship, representing a decrease of over 80%.
A few years ago, multiple naturalization ceremonies were held weekly in the region, with some large ceremonies even taking place at the famous Wrigley Field, creating grand scenes. However, the number of ceremonies has significantly decreased now.
For many immigrants who have waited for years, obtaining citizenship is a long journey:
Isabella Kulikowska from Poland has strived for 25 years to gain citizenship, saying, “It has been a long process, and I am really happy and grateful to become a citizen.”
However, not all applicants have been able to complete the process smoothly. Luv Dhody and his wife submitted their applications simultaneously, with him successfully naturalizing, but his wife is still waiting.
Immigration lawyer Kathleen Vannucci pointed out that the processing speed of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has significantly slowed down, with the current completion rate of cases only reaching 40% of what it was a year ago, leading to a worsening backlog.
Vannucci believes that this has caused uncertainty and fear in the immigrant community. Many lawful residents who had hoped to complete their naturalization before the midterm elections in November to participate in voting may find it challenging to fulfill that wish now.
Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois, Virginia Kendall, also expressed witnessing the impact of the delays in hearings.
Furthermore, the difficulty of the new citizenship test implemented since September 2025 has increased. Simultaneously, officials have strengthened the review of applicants’ “good moral character.”
In response to criticisms, USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler stated that under the current government leadership, USCIS is implementing rigorous screening and review processes nationwide to ensure thorough reviews without shortcuts in the naturalization process.
This article is based on related reports from Chicago’s ABC7 News Channel.