In the fiscal year 2022, a total of 969,380 individuals were naturalized as US citizens. Among them, 65,960 Indians officially became US citizens, solidifying India’s position as a key source country for new American citizens
The journey towards American citizenship for immigrants has been a significant aspect of the nation’s demographic landscape. According to a recent report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), Indians have emerged as the second-largest group contributing to the pool of new US citizens, following closely behind Mexico.
In the fiscal year 2022, a total of 969,380 individuals were naturalized as US citizens. Among them, 65,960 Indians officially became US citizens, solidifying India’s position as a key source country for new American citizens.
The report highlights the broader context of immigration in the United States. In 2022, approximately 46 million foreign-born individuals resided in the country, constituting roughly 14 percent of the total population of 333 million. Out of these, about 53 percent, or 24.5 million, reported their status as naturalized citizens, according to data from the American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau.
Mexico retained its lead as the largest contributor to naturalized US citizens, with 128,878 Mexican nationals gaining American citizenship in 2022. Following Mexico and India, other significant source countries included the Philippines, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.
Despite India’s substantial contribution to the pool of new US citizens, the report notes a considerable portion of India-born foreign nationals residing in the US remain ineligible for citizenship. As of 2023, approximately 2,831,330 foreign-born American nationals hailed from India, marking the second-largest cohort after Mexico.
The percentage of foreign-born individuals who successfully naturalize varies by several factors, including country of origin. Despite challenges and variations, the pursuit of American citizenship remains a significant milestone for immigrants, reflecting the diverse tapestry of the nation’s population and its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and opportunity
However, challenges persist in the naturalization process, with concerns raised over processing backlogs for citizenship applications by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Despite ongoing backlogs, USCIS has made strides in reducing the number of pending applications in recent years. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the agency had decreased the backlog to approximately 408,000 applications, down from previous years.
Notably, the eligibility criteria for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) require applicants to have lawful permanent residency (LPR) status for at least five years. While many LPRs have submitted naturalization applications, the number remains below the estimated 9 million LPRs eligible for naturalization in 2023.
The percentage of foreign-born individuals who successfully naturalize varies by several factors, including country of origin. Despite challenges and variations, the pursuit of American citizenship remains a significant milestone for immigrants, reflecting the diverse tapestry of the nation’s population and its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.
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