The US Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS, in its recent yearly progress report, stated over 59,000 Indians were enlisted as legal American citizens in the year 2023. This remarkable data has helped Bharat secure the second position as the top source nation for new citizens in America, following Mexico. The report indicates a growing trend of Indian nationals obtaining US citizenship, reflecting the increasing ties between the two nations.
Total Number of New Citizens & Source Countries
The report further highlights that a total of nearly 8.7 lakh foreign nationals became US citizens during the fiscal year 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023. Among these, over 1.1 lakh were Mexicans, constituting 12.7 per cent of the total number of new citizens, while Indians accounted for 59,100, which is approximately 6.7 per cent of the total. Additionally, 44,800 new citizens (5.1 per cent) were from the Philippines, and 35,200 (4 per cent) were from the Dominican Republic.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalisation
To be eligible for naturalisation, applicants must fulfil certain requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act or INA. Typically, this involves being a lawful permanent resident or LPR for at least five years. However, there are special provisions that exempt certain applicants, such as spouses of US citizens and individuals with military service, from some of these requirements.
Main Eligibility Pathways
The majority of individuals, who acquired US citizenship in fiscal year 2023 were eligible based on being LPRs for at least five years, as specified in INA Section 316(a). Following this, applicants who were LPRs for at least three years and married to a US citizen for the same duration (INA Section 319 A) constituted a significant portion. Additionally, applicants eligible through their military service during specific periods of hostilities, as outlined in INA Section 329, also contributed to the overall numbers.
Median Years as Lawful Permanent Residents
The report reveals the median number of years spent as an LPR for all citizens naturalised in fiscal year 2023 was seven years. This indicates that, on average, individuals seeking US citizenship had established themselves as permanent residents for a considerable period before applying for naturalization.
Contribution to Overall Naturalisation Trends
Under the USCIS, naturalisations during the fiscal years 2022 and 2023 accounted for nearly a quarter of all naturalisations over the past decade. This underscores the significance of recent naturalisation trends and highlights the diverse pathways through which individuals become American citizens.
The increasing number of Indians gaining US citizenship reflects the strong bilateral relationship between Bharat and the United States and showcases the opportunities and aspirations of individuals seeking to build new lives in America. As naturalisation continues to be a significant aspect of immigration policy and integration efforts, understanding the underlying trends and eligibility pathways remains crucial for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
