U.S. citizenship can be denied for failing to meet requirements like continuous residency, lacking good moral character (due to crimes, tax/support issues, or lying), not passing English/civics tests, or misrepresenting information on applications, with serious criminal offenses like aggravated felonies leading to permanent bars, while other issues like unpaid taxes or extended absences can also halt the process, potentially even triggering deportation proceedings.
You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for a lack of good moral character (GMC), often due to serious crimes (like murder, aggravated felonies, drug trafficking, or crimes of moral turpitude), dishonesty on your application, failing tests, failing to pay taxes/child support, not registering for Selective Service, or committing acts like genocide or persecution; some offenses lead to permanent bars, while others cause temporary ineligibility.
In total, USCIS received 993,120 naturalization applications in 2024. Of those, 816,180 were approved, with only 86,333 denied, yielding an impressive average approval rate of over 89%—a clear signal that most applicants were well-prepared and met the statutory requirements.
Even with study, several factors can contribute to failure. One common issue is test anxiety. The pressure of the interview can overwhelm some applicants, making it difficult to recall answers or understand the officer's questions. Language barriers can also persist despite study.
This could be due to insufficient evidence, failing to satisfy the good character requirement, or not meeting other eligibility criteria. A rejection, on the other hand, means that no substantive consideration of your citizenship application has taken place.
You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for a lack of good moral character (GMC), often due to serious crimes (like murder, aggravated felonies, drug trafficking, or crimes of moral turpitude), dishonesty on your application, failing tests, failing to pay taxes/child support, not registering for Selective Service, or committing acts like genocide or persecution; some offenses lead to permanent bars, while others cause temporary ineligibility.
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you generally need to be at least 18, a permanent resident for 3 or 5 years, demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and take the Oath of Allegiance, fulfilling core requirements like continuous residency, physical presence, and understanding U.S. history and government.
N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA) Use this form to request a hearing before an immigration officer on our denial of your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Weak Economic Profile
The ICA assesses whether your career and income demonstrate financial stability and value to the local economy. Applicants who maintain steady employment, pay regular income tax, and contribute to CPF are generally viewed more favorably.
Spouses and minor children of legal permanent residents often wait two to four years for their own green card, resulting in a total of eight to 10 years before naturalization. Adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens face the longest delays, with visa backlogs that can exceed 20 years.
A lawful permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen may be eligible to naturalize—become a citizen—after three years of living in marital union together. To qualify for naturalization under the marriage-based three-year rule, you must also: Be at least 18 years old.
USCIS evaluates your moral character over the statutory period, which is typically the five years preceding your application (or three years if you're married to a U.S. citizen). However, past incidents can still be considered, especially if they were not disclosed in previous applications.
2. What are some examples of crimes not involving moral turpitude?
Countries With the Easiest Citizenship By Naturalization
The top passports for 2026, according to the Henley Passport Index, are led by Singapore (No. 1), followed by Japan & South Korea (tied for No. 2), and a group including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, & Switzerland (tied for No. 3), all offering extensive visa-free access to numerous countries, highlighting Asia and Europe's dominance at the top for global travel freedom.
Becoming a U.S. citizen usually takes 3 to 6 years from getting your Green Card, but the specific timeline varies greatly based on your pathway (e.g., marriage to a citizen, military service) and current processing speeds by USCIS, with the N-400 application stage itself often taking 12-18 months for interviews and oaths after a 3- or 5-year residency requirement is met.
According to statistics cited by the Migration Policy Institute, 53 percent of immigrants in the U.S. enjoy the naturalization benefit. In 2024, USCIS adjudicators reviewed 993,120 Form N-400 Application for Naturalization packets, of which 86,333 were denied.
You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for a lack of good moral character (GMC), often due to serious crimes (like murder, aggravated felonies, drug trafficking, or crimes of moral turpitude), dishonesty on your application, failing tests, failing to pay taxes/child support, not registering for Selective Service, or committing acts like genocide or persecution; some offenses lead to permanent bars, while others cause temporary ineligibility.
Thankfully, failing the test does not affect someone's permanent resident status. The USCIS does not remove those who fail the naturalization tests. The applicant has the option of applying for naturalization again in the future if they study more and feel confident about their ability to pass.
You can be disqualified from U.S. citizenship for a lack of good moral character (GMC), often due to serious crimes (like murder, aggravated felonies, drug trafficking, or crimes of moral turpitude), dishonesty on your application, failing tests, failing to pay taxes/child support, not registering for Selective Service, or committing acts like genocide or persecution; some offenses lead to permanent bars, while others cause temporary ineligibility.
As of April 1, 2024, the naturalization application fee is $710 for applicants who file online through the USCIS website or $760 for applicants who submit a paper application by mail.