Worried about applying for U.S. citizenship? Here’s what you should know
- By Fileright
- Last Updated:
You have built a life in the United States. You may have a job, a home, and family here. Becoming a citizen could be your next step—but recent immigration news may leave you asking: “Is it safe to apply?”
News about people losing citizenship can feel worrying. Understanding why this can happen, who may be affected, and what to check before applying can help you make an informed decision.
Start by checking whether you may qualify for U.S. citizenship.
Why are people worried about citizenship?
In June 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice made denaturalization an enforcement priority.
Denaturalization is a legal process that can take away citizenship from someone who became a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
The government can bring a case when it believes a person did not meet the legal requirements for citizenship, or obtained citizenship by hiding important facts or deliberately giving false information.
The policy does not automatically cancel anyone’s citizenship. The government still needs legal grounds and evidence to bring a case.
Who could be affected?
Denaturalization cases concern people who have already become U.S. citizens through naturalization.
Possible grounds include:
- Not meeting the requirements: The person was not legally eligible when citizenship was granted.
- Hiding important information: The person left out facts that mattered to the citizenship decision.
- Deliberately giving false information: The person used false statements to obtain citizenship.
The Justice Department’s priorities include cases involving national security, serious crimes, and fraud. However, these priorities do not remove the need to prove legal grounds for taking away citizenship.
For green card holders thinking about applying, the practical lesson is to understand your eligibility and review your history carefully before filing.
Can you still apply for U.S. citizenship?
Yes. USCIS continues to accept Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, from eligible applicants.
For the common five-year path, you generally need to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years.
- Have maintained continuous residence—your main home—in the United States during the required period.
- Have been physically in the United States for at least 30 months during those five years.
- Have lived in your state or USCIS district for at least three months.
- Meet the good moral character requirement.
- Meet the English and U.S. history and government test requirements, unless an exception applies.
- Support the U.S. Constitution and take the Oath of Allegiance.
Some spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after three years as permanent residents. Additional marriage, residence, and other requirements apply. Being married to a U.S. citizen alone does not make you eligible.
Not sure whether you qualify? Our eligibility quiz can help you check whether you may meet the basic requirements.
Check your eligibility for U.S. citizenship
What should you check before applying?
Start with your records. Make sure your names, dates, addresses, travel history, and other answers are correct.
Read each question carefully. If you are unsure about an answer, check your documents instead of guessing. USCIS recommends reviewing your application and correcting mistakes before submitting it.
If you have arrests, tax problems, long trips outside the United States, or concerns about an earlier immigration application, speak with a qualified immigration attorney before filing. A personal review can help you understand how those facts may affect your case.
Book an immigration lawyer consultation
Why consider citizenship?
Think about what citizenship could mean for your future.
You may want a voice in federal elections, a U.S. passport, or more ways to bring family members to the United States.
U.S. citizenship offers these opportunities, along with access to certain jobs that require citizenship.
If citizenship is already your goal, learning whether you qualify is a practical step you can take today.
Prepare your application with FileRight
Once you understand your eligibility, the next step is preparing your paperwork.
At FileRight, our online Form N-400 preparation service helps you work through your application with clear questions and easy-to-understand instructions.
Our service provides:
- An eligibility check before you begin.
- Online tools to help you complete your application.
- Automated checks for missing information, typing errors, and inconsistent answers.
- An application package and filing instructions to help you prepare for submission.
You provide your information, review your answers, and submit your completed application to USCIS. Our service helps you prepare the paperwork along the way.
Your next step starts with knowing where you stand
You have already built a life here. Understanding your citizenship options can help you plan what comes next.
Still exploring citizenship? Start by checking whether you may qualify.
Eligible and ready to begin? Prepare your Form N-400 with FileRight.