The Biden administration has achieved the fastest citizenship approval rate in the last ten years.
According to Breitbart News, the push to speed up citizenship applications aims at reducing backlogs left by the COVID-19 pandemic and previous policies.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, approximately 3.3 million immigrants have been granted U.S. citizenship, with significant improvements in the processing times as the 2024 fiscal year comes to a close. This marks a stark contrast to the slowdown during the Trump presidency, which was compounded by the pandemic's disruptions.
Substantial changes in the naturalization procedure have occurred following an executive order issued right after President Joe Biden took office in 2021. These reforms were aimed at countering the stringent immigration controls of the preceding Trump era. A notable change was the reduction of the naturalization application form size from 20 pages to 14.
Additionally, this year in April, the application fee was adjusted to $710 from the previous $640. Adjustments were also made to enhance accessibility for lower-income applicants, making obtaining fee reductions easier. These alterations signify a shift towards a more inclusive and expedient process for aspiring U.S. citizens.
Naturalization ceremonies typically ramp up before elections, but they could play a crucial role in shaping voter turnout and composition in upcoming critical elections. Xiao Wang, CEO and immigration analyst at Boundless, emphasized the potential electoral ramifications of accelerated citizenship approvals.
Xiao Wang commented on the situation:
The surge in naturalization efficiency isn’t just about clearing backlogs; it’s potentially reshaping the electorate merely months before a pivotal election. Every citizenship application could be a vote that decides Senate seats or even the presidency.
According to a report by the NY Times, the processing speed for immigrant citizenship applications has reached levels comparable to those of 2013 and 2014 in under five months, thanks to changes implemented during President Joe Biden's administration.
This acceleration is linked to an executive order by Biden aimed at dismantling former President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies and restoring confidence in the legal immigration system.
The NY Times also notes that around 3.3 million immigrants have become U.S. citizens during Biden's tenure, with these developments occurring as the 2024 fiscal year approaches its close.
As the 2024 elections approach, the implications of these changes are becoming increasingly evident. Analysts and political strategists alike are watching closely as the newly naturalized citizens could be pivotal in determining electoral outcomes.
The significance of restoring faith in the legal immigration system was underscored by Biden's initial actions in office—decisively moving away from the previous administration's harder line. This has not only impacted the lives of millions but potentially the broader U.S. socio-political landscape as well.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the citizenship application process reflect a robust commitment to reversing past policies and increasing the welcoming nature of the U.S. As a result, about 3.3 million new citizens have been integrated during Biden's term, potentially altering the course of the upcoming elections. These changes have brought both opportunities and challenges, highlighting the intricate link between immigration policies and electoral politics.
