Archive · 1 Feb 2026
US Tightens Citizenship Path for Green Card Holders
The US is making it harder for green card holders to become citizens and keep their permanent resident status.
A new law called the SCAM Act makes it easier to take away citizenship from people who committed fraud or crimes.
To become a citizen, people must live in the US for 5 years, be good people, speak English, and pass a test about US history and government.
Starting in 2025, the test will be harder.
People applying before then can still take the easier old test.
The US is also checking with neighbors, employers, and others to make sure applicants are qualified.
In 2023, almost 879,000 people became US citizens, with most coming from Mexico and India.
The SCAM Act clarifies evidence for proving naturalization requirements and creates paths for denaturalization.
Green card holders must meet requirements like 5 years of continuous residence, good moral character, English proficiency, and passing a US history test.
A new, more challenging civics test will be implemented starting October 20, 2025.
Denaturalization can occur for fraud, affiliation with terrorist organizations, or conviction of certain crimes within 10 years of naturalization.
Lawful permanent residents must undergo 'neighborhood investigations' with testimonial letters from various sources.
- Who
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) and naturalized US citizens.
- What
- The US is making it harder to obtain and maintain US citizenship and permanent resident status.
- When
- Changes include the SCAM Act, new civics test starting October 20, 2025, and ongoing denaturalization efforts.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- To clarify naturalization requirements, prevent fraud, and ensure applicants meet lawful requirements.
- SCAM Act
- Bill to clarify evidence for proving naturalization requirements and create denaturalization paths.
- Naturalization Requirements
- 5 years of continuous residence, good moral character, English proficiency, and US history test.
- New Civics Test
- More challenging test starting October 20, 2025, with deeper questions on US history and government.
- Denaturalization Grounds
- Fraud against the government, affiliation with terrorist organizations, or conviction of aggravated felony or espionage within 10 years of naturalization.
- Neighborhood Investigations
- LPRs must provide testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, and business associates.
- New Citizens in FY2023
- 878,500 new US citizens naturalized.
- Top Countries of Origin
- Mexico and India are the top two suppliers of new US citizens.
- Indians Naturalized in 2022
- Over 66,000 Indians became American citizens.