citizenship Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

In June 2025, people stand in a long line outside the Los Angeles Federal Building.

NPR

Logjam of U.S. immigration applications puts millions at greater risk of deportation

by Ximena Bustillo April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

An NPR analysis shows how immigrants’ attempts to live or work legally in the U.S. are caught in a bureaucratic morass.

New U.S. citizens, holding up American flags and standing in rows, take part in a naturalization ceremony at Faneuil Hall in Boston on January 8.

NPR

2025 was one of most volatile years ever for U.S. naturalizations

by Anusha Mathur April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

The year began with many people becoming U.S. citizens, but by December, fewer people were doing so, driven by ramped-up scrutiny of applications and eroding trust in the system.

Ashely Lezama (left), originally from Honduras, stands outside after her first naturalization ceremony at the Albert V. Bryan Federal Courthouse in Alexandria, Va. David Diemert, originally from Canada and Zaida Meza, originally from Guatemala, stand outside after their naturalization ceremony at the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Court House in Washington, D.C.

NPR

Thousands of new Americans opt for ‘ultimate act of inclusion’ despite obstacles

by Anusha Mathur January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Three citizenship ceremonies NPR attended in the Washington, D.C. area in January were largely celebratory experiences, despite a year of hurdles and changes to the naturalization process.

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) attend a cabinet meeting at the White House on April 10. Trump on Thursday warned of the "transition cost" from his tariff policies, as Wall Street stocks fell again over the worsening trade war with China.

NPR

4 takeaways from the week: In a world that craves stability, Trump brings the chaos

by Domenico Montanaro April 11, 2025April 11, 2025

President Trump’s trade war sent global markets reeling this week. How Trump has handled tariffs shows the farthest thing from stability and predictability. A look at this and three other takeaways.

NPR

He’s a decorated war vet but a convicted criminal. ICE wants to deport him

by Tom Bowman April 4, 2025April 4, 2025

Jose Barco’s story is one of battlefield trauma, bureaucratic bumbling and eventually, a serious crime.

Immigration, Local, South Coast Bureau

New Bedford welcomes new citizens in a naturalization ceremony at the Immigrants’ Assistance Center

by Paul C. Kelly Campos December 17, 2024December 17, 2024

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A group of new American citizens was officially welcomed into the community last Friday at New Bedford’s Immigrants’ Assistance Center. Friends and family applauded, whistled in jubilation and stretched their arms to take pictures of their loved ones receiving their certificates and becoming citizens of the U.S. Some new citizens were visibly holding back tears […]

NPR

Biden’s plan will shield undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation

by Jasmine Garsd June 18, 2024July 9, 2024

Executive actions from the White House will offer parole to up to half a million immigrants