In a recent annual progress report released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it was revealed that over 59,000 Bharatiyas were enlisted as bona fide US citizens in the year 2023. This significant number has helped Bharat secure the second position as the top source country 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 and 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% of the total number of new citizens, while Bharatiyas accounted for 59,100, which is approximately 6.7% of the total. Additionally, 44,800 new citizens (5.1%) were from the Philippines, and 35,200 (4%) were from the Dominican Republic.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must fulfill certain requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Typically, this involves being a lawful permanent resident (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 that the median number of years spent as an LPR for all citizens naturalized 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 Naturalization Trends
Under the USCIS, naturalizations during the fiscal years 2022 and 2023 accounted for nearly a quarter of all naturalizations over the past decade. This underscores the significance of recent naturalization trends and highlights the diverse pathways through which individuals become American citizens.
The increasing number of Bharatiyas gaining US citizenship reflects the strong bilateral ties between India and the United States and showcases the opportunities and aspirations of individuals seeking to build new lives in America. As naturalization 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.
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