A recent article in the New York Times analyzed why immigrants are becoming U.S. citizens at the fastest rate in 10 years. The government has reduced the application backlog. With citizenship application processing speed now under 5 months, it is now at the same rate as 2013 and 2014. About 3.3 million immigrants have become citizens during President Biden’s time in office, with less than two months to go before the close of the 2024 fiscal year. Many green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are motivated to become new citizens because they are looking forward to voting in the November presidential election.
Green card holders have many rights and privileges, but they are not allowed to vote in federal elections. Voting is a powerful motivation for citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) took 11.5 months to process a naturalization application in 2021, compared to an average of 4.9 months to process citizenship applications today.
According to USCIS data, over 9 million green card holders are eligible to become U.S. citizens.
While becoming a U.S. citizen in time to vote in the presidential election is a tight race against the clock, starting your naturalization journey now is a positive step toward full participation in American democracy – and voting in future presidential elections. Regardless of the timeline, your voice and efforts matter. Seek legal guidance to navigate the process smoothly and explore other ways to engage in the civic life of your community.
For more information and personalized assistance, consult with an experienced immigration and citizenship lawyer who can provide expert advice and support tailored to your situation.
In addition to being able to vote in Presidential elections, there are other benefits to becoming a U.S. Citizen. Download our free guide for green card holders on the benefits of naturalization.
Green card holders should apply for citizenship now. The immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office work with you to evaluate your immigration status and guide you in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-345-4164.
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
