Immigration and Naturalization Service: The Complex Path to U.S. Citizenship

Imagine this: You've just arrived in the United States. You've been dreaming of this moment for years, maybe decades, and now you're finally here. But the journey to becoming a U.S. citizen? That’s where things get tricky. Many don’t realize that the U.S. immigration and naturalization process isn’t just about crossing a border—it’s about navigating a maze of bureaucracy, paperwork, and waiting periods that can stretch for years.

One wrong step, and you could find yourself back at square one, or worse—facing deportation. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which has since been folded into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), used to be the gatekeeper of the American Dream for millions. Now, that role falls on agencies like the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But the road remains as long and complex as ever.

Suspense sets in: Will you make it through, or will the system spit you out? Keep reading to find out what it really takes to go from immigrant to citizen—and why the odds might be stacked against you.

The Beginning: A Long History of Control

The INS was established in 1933, a merger between the Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Naturalization. Before its existence, the U.S. lacked a cohesive immigration system. Each state had different rules for who could come and stay. With the founding of INS, immigration became a national issue. The agency controlled who was allowed into the country, how they could stay, and the process through which they could become U.S. citizens.

INS's early years were marked by exclusionary policies. The Chinese Exclusion Act and the National Origins Act were designed to restrict non-European immigration. Even as policies evolved, the agency kept its tight grip on the process, making it difficult for many to enter the country and even harder to stay.

In 2003, following the September 11 attacks, the INS was disbanded. Its duties were transferred to various DHS branches. This marked the end of an era, but the challenges faced by immigrants did not end there.

Becoming a Citizen: The Process

So, how does someone become a U.S. citizen? Here’s a look at the steps involved:

1. Eligibility
   First, an individual must qualify for naturalization. This typically means having a green card for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. There are also exceptions for military service members.

2. Application (Form N-400)
   The main document to submit is Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. It asks for everything from residency history to background checks. There’s a fee involved—currently $725, including the biometric fee.

3. Biometrics Appointment
   Every applicant must attend a biometrics appointment where they provide fingerprints and photos. This data is used to run background checks through FBI databases.

4. Interview and Test
   Applicants then attend an interview with a USCIS officer, where they are asked about their application and undergo a civics test. The test covers U.S. history and government and requires the applicant to demonstrate basic English proficiency.

5. Oath of Allegiance
   If the application is approved, the final step is the Oath of Allegiance. Only after this step does the individual become a U.S. citizen.

Key Challenges Immigrants Face

Though the steps seem straightforward, they are fraught with complications. Here are a few common challenges:

• Language Barriers: Many applicants struggle with the English test.
• Legal Complexities: A single error on the N-400 can delay the process by months or even years.
• Backlogs: As of 2023, processing times for citizenship applications can take over a year, depending on the applicant’s location.
• Criminal Record: Any blemish on an applicant's record can disqualify them from naturalization.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Consider this: In 2022, 9.2 million people were eligible for naturalization, yet less than 10% applied. Why? Because many fear the process, others can’t afford the fees, and still more are simply unaware of their eligibility.

Year	Number of Naturalized Citizens	Applications Received
2020	625,400	967,000
2021	809,100	1,040,000
2022	968,200	1,126,000

These numbers reveal a growing interest in citizenship, but the application process has remained notoriously slow.

The Role of Lawyers

One of the smartest moves an immigrant can make is to hire an immigration lawyer. A good lawyer can speed up the process, avoid costly mistakes, and represent the applicant in case of any disputes. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it often pays off in the long run, especially given the consequences of application denials.

What Happens When Things Go Wrong?

When an application is denied, the applicant can either appeal the decision or reapply. However, reapplication can result in additional fees and delays. In some cases, deportation proceedings may even be initiated.

In recent years, there’s been a surge in deportation cases—especially under the Trump administration, which focused heavily on immigration enforcement. Sanctuary cities have become hotbeds of controversy, with local governments often at odds with federal law enforcement over whether to detain or deport non-citizens.

The Future of U.S. Immigration

With each new administration, immigration policies shift. The Biden administration has signaled a more welcoming stance compared to its predecessor, but challenges remain. Comprehensive immigration reform is still a topic of debate in Congress, and until there is a lasting legislative solution, millions of immigrants will continue to face uncertainty.

For those seeking citizenship, the journey can feel like a never-ending obstacle course. But with patience, legal support, and a deep understanding of the process, it’s possible to achieve the dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Conclusion: The path to U.S. citizenship is long, expensive, and filled with legal hurdles. Many immigrants find themselves lost in the bureaucracy, struggling to navigate the complexities of the system. But despite the challenges, millions have made it through. If you’re determined to become a U.S. citizen, know this: it’s possible, but you’ll need to be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint.