Story perspectives

Citizenship Class Enrollment Soars Amid Immigration Fears

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

In the Bay Area, citizenship classes surge as inquiries double in early 2025 amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Legal permanent residents increasingly seek citizenship due to fears of losing status.
The $760 application fee remains a barrier.
The Department of Homeland Security has intensified scrutiny, including social media checks and neighborhood interviews.
Schools nationwide report enrollment declines from immigrant families, with financial impacts for districts such as Miami-Dade.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3, abolished national origin quotas that had restricted immigration since the 1920s. This landmark legislation significantly increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reshaping the U.S. demographic landscape and contributing to ongoing debates about immigration policy, particularly in light of recent political tensions.

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Story summary

In the Bay Area, citizenship classes surge as inquiries double in early 2025 amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Legal permanent residents increasingly seek citizenship due to fears of losing status.
The $760 application fee remains a barrier.
The Department of Homeland Security has intensified scrutiny, including social media checks and neighborhood interviews.
Schools nationwide report enrollment declines from immigrant families, with financial impacts for districts such as Miami-Dade.

1 / 2