Dramatic decline in people becoming new citizens in Chicago area this year, data showsChicago-area naturalizations, people becoming new citizens, have dropped more than 80% in 2026, federal data analyzed by the ABC7 I-Team shows. Chicago-area naturalizations, people becoming new citizens, have dropped more than 80% in 2026, federal data analyzed by the ABC7 I-Team shows. Chicago-area naturalizations, people becoming new citizens, have dropped more than 80% in 2026, federal data analyzed by the ABC7 I-Team shows. Chicago-area naturalizations, people becoming new citizens, have dropped more than 80% in 2026, federal data analyzed by the ABC7 I-Team shows. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Since January, there has been a shocking drop in new naturalizations, declining by more than 80% in the Chicago area ahead of a major midterm election.