Why Now Is the Time to Naturalize | Secure Your U.S. Citizenship

Can You Still Naturalize Under Trump?

Many of my clients are surprised when I ask why they have not naturalized yet. They wonder, “Can I still naturalize?” The answer is yes.

Naturalization is protected under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and the process has continued under all administrations, including Trump’s first term. Border security policies have little to do with naturalization, and the law ensures that eligible lawful permanent residents can become U.S. citizens.

While the administration may attempt to slow the process by diverting resources, there are limits to this. Naturalization fees fund the process, not taxpayer money, so USCIS must continue to process applications.

Common Concerns About Naturalization

Many lawful permanent residents hesitate to apply due to concerns about:

• Criminal Records
• English and Civics Test Requirements
• Selective Service Registration
• Mistaken Voter Registration

Let us address each of these concerns.

1. Criminal Records: Do They Affect Naturalization?

A criminal record may or may not affect eligibility, depending on:

1. The type of crime committed
2. When the crime occurred

Anything within five years of applying can be problematic. In most cases, I advise clients to wait until five years and one day have passed before filing—unless the offense was very minor.

However, serious crimes such as murder or bank robbery make naturalization impossible. These offenses can also lead to other immigration consequences, including deportation.

On the other hand, many people worry unnecessarily about old offenses like:

• OUI (Operating Under the Influence)
• Driving without a license
• Unregistered or uninsured vehicle violations

While these are serious matters, they typically do not create immigration or naturalization issues.

2. The English and Civics Test: Are There Exceptions?

A common concern is passing the English and civics test required for naturalization. Fortunately, there are three exceptions to the English language requirement:

• The 55/15 Rule: If you are 55 years or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years, you are exempt from the English requirement.
• The 50/20 Rule: If you are 50 years or older and have had a green card for at least 20 years, you are also exempt.
• Medical Exemption: If you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from learning English or U.S. history and government, a doctor can certify an exemption.

These exemptions make naturalization more accessible for many people who otherwise might struggle with the test.

3. Selective Service Registration: What If You Did Not Register?

Another requirement for naturalization is Selective Service registration for men of draft age. Many immigrants do not register simply because they were unaware of the requirement.

Schools, sometimes, do not notify students about this obligation, and there has been no formal notification process in place for many years. However, the Selective Service has recently started sending out notices, including one that my own son received.

If you failed to register because you did not know about the requirement, there are ways to resolve this issue.

4. Mistaken Voter Registration: Is It a Problem?

One of my clients nearly faced serious consequences because he was mistakenly registered to vote. Non-citizens cannot vote, and doing so can lead to severe penalties, including denial of naturalization and even deportation.

In this case, my client had never actually registered himself—the mistake was made by the clerk’s office. Fortunately, the clerk in Lowell admitted the error and corrected it, allowing my client to proceed with his naturalization.

If you believe you were wrongfully registered to vote, it is important to address the issue before applying for naturalization.

Why Now Is the Time to Naturalize

The current political climate has created uncertainty for lawful permanent residents. As a result, many have decided to take the important step of naturalizing and becoming U.S. citizens to secure their future.

We Are Here to Help

If you are considering naturalization, my office is here to guide you through the process. Do not let fear or misinformation hold you back.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you have questions about your eligibility, please reach out. Once you become a U.S. citizen, you no longer have to worry about your immigration status.