A recent annual progress report released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has shed light on the significant number of foreign nationals who acquired US citizenship during the fiscal year 2023, with over 59,000 individuals from India among them.
According to the official report, nearly 8.7 lakh foreign nationals were granted US citizenship in the fiscal year 2023. Among them, 1.1 lakh were Mexican nationals, constituting 12.7% of the total number, while Indians accounted for 6.7% with a total of 59,100 individuals obtaining US citizenship. Additionally, 35,200 individuals from the Dominican Republic and 44,800 from the Philippines were among those who became American citizens during this period.
To become eligible for US citizenship, individuals must fulfill certain eligibility requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These requirements include being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for a minimum of five years. However, there are exceptions for individuals who are married to US citizens or have served in the military during specific periods of hostilities.
The report indicates that a significant portion of those naturalized in fiscal year 2023 had been lawful permanent residents for at least five years, while others qualified based on their marriage to a US citizen or their military service.
Furthermore, data from USCIS reveals that the median number of years spent as an LPR for those naturalized in fiscal year 2023 was seven years, highlighting the commitment and dedication of individuals pursuing US citizenship.
The pursuit of American citizenship among Indians has been on the rise, with many individuals from states like Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat expressing interest in relocating to the United States in search of job opportunities. This trend has led to a growing number of Indian migrants attempting to cross the US border, with nearly 42,000 migrants from India attempting to enter the country illegally between October 2022 and September 2023.
While US visa services have faced challenges in clearing backlogs, efforts have been made to streamline visa processing, resulting in improved wait times for appointments. However, the increase in attempted border crossings underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking to migrate to the United States.
As the pursuit of US citizenship continues to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds, the USCIS report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of immigration and naturalization in the United States.
Sources By Agencies
