USCIS Crackdown 2026: N-400 Naturalizations Plunge 76%, Backlog Surges to 742K

A data analysis of all available USCIS records from 2014 to 2026 reveals a dramatic collapse in naturalization processing. FY2026 Q3 recorded only 57,697 N-400 approvals — the lowest third-quarter figure in the entire 12-year dataset and a 76.1% decline compared to the same period in FY2025, when 241,326 applications were approved. The backlog of pending N-400 applications has grown sharply alongside falling approvals. As of FY2026 Q3, 742,138 applications are pending — a 40.3% increase from the 529,018 pending in FY2025 Q3. This combination of reduced throughput and rising demand is compounding wait times for applicants already in the queue. The data also highlights an unusual seasonal disruption. Historically, naturalization approvals follow a predictable quarterly pattern, but FY2026 has broken from this trend, suggesting structural or policy-driven factors — not just seasonal variation — are behind the slowdown. For EB-3 green card holders who have completed their permanent residency journey and are now pursuing U.S. citizenship, these figures signal significant delays ahead. Applicants should factor extended N-400 timelines into their planning and monitor USCIS updates closely for any processing policy changes. This analysis underscores broader concerns about USCIS capacity in 2026. With fee changes on the horizon and processing times already under pressure across multiple form types, the naturalization backlog may continue to grow through the remainder of the fiscal year.