US Citizenship: India Now Second with 59,100 Naturalized in 2023

In a notable trend reflecting shifting demographics, India has risen as a significant contributor to the ranks of new United States citizens. Recent reports indicate a marked increase in the number of Indians obtaining US citizenship, underscoring the country’s growing presence within the American populace.

India Becomes Second Largest Source of New US Citizens

According to the latest data released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS), approximately 6.7 per cent of the new US citizens inducted last year hailed from India. This accounts for a substantial portion of the overall naturalization figures, with a total of 59,100 individuals of Indian origin acquiring American citizenship in the past year.

Mexico Remains the Top Source

While India has solidified its position as a leading source of new US citizens, Mexico remains the primary contributor, constituting around 12.7 per cent of the total new citizens inducted in 2023.

The Philippines follows closely behind, with 5 per cent of the new American citizens originating from its shores. Additionally, both the Dominican Republic and Cuba collectively accounted for 32 per cent of the new US citizens last year.

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Trends Over Time

Compared with the previous year’s statistics, the rise in Indian naturalization rates is evident. In 2022, 6.8 per cent of new US citizens were Indians, indicating a slight increase in the community’s integration into American society.

Eligibility and Proces

Becoming a US citizen entails fulfilling specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Among these requirements, individuals must hold lawful permanent resident status for at least five years before being eligible for naturalization.

Exceptions to this rule include those who have been married to US citizens for three years or individuals who have served in the US military.

Also Read: Proposed Changes to US Citizenship Test: What You Need to Know

Conclusion

The surge in Indian naturalizations reflects not only individual aspirations but also broader trends in migration and integration. As India continues to strengthen its ties with the United States, the influx of new citizens underscores the deepening connections between the two nations on both personal and societal levels.