India Surges to #2: Over 65,000 Become New US Citizens

India has surged to become the second-largest source country for new U.S. citizens, according to a recent report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This is a significant milestone, highlighting the growing Indian diaspora in the United States.

US Citizenship Trends

1. Surge in Indian-American Citizens: Over 65,000 Indians naturalized in 2022, ranking #2 behind Mexico. This marks a growing Indian diaspora seeking permanent residence in the US.

2. Thriving Indian-Born Population: With an estimated 2.8 million Indian-born residents, India boasts the second-largest foreign-born population in the US, showcasing its continued appeal for immigrants.

3. Pathway to Citizenship for Green Card Holders: While 42% of India-born residents are ineligible for citizenship yet, nearly 290,000 Green Card holders have a path to naturalization, potentially solidifying the Indian-American community.

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Backlog Reduction Offers Hope for Future Applicants

The report also acknowledges concerns about the backlog of naturalization applications faced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

However, it offers positive news: USCIS has successfully reduced the backlog by more than half since 2020. This means faster processing times for future applicants.

Naturalization Rates Vary by Country

In its recent report titled “US Naturalization Policy,” CRS disclosed that a total of 969,380 individuals were naturalized as US citizens in the fiscal year 2022. Notably, Mexico led with the highest number of naturalizations, followed closely by India, the Philippines, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

• Mexico: 128,878
• India: 65,960
• Philippines: 53,413
• Cuba: 46,913
• Dominican Republic: 34,525

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Pathway to Citizenship Remains Open

To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), including being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years.

Growing Indian Presence in the US

This report signifies the increasing number of Indians choosing the U.S. as their permanent home and actively contributing to the nation’s rich tapestry. It also indicates a more efficient USCIS system, paving the way for more India-born residents to become U.S. citizens.