In Orlando, Florida, Daibai, originally from India, defied age norms by obtaining US citizenship at the remarkable age of 99, as shared by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS commemorated the occasion with a photo of Daibai taking the oath of allegiance in their Orlando office, joined by her daughter and the USCIS officer administering the oath.
Celebrating her achievement, the USCIS posted on social media, highlighting Daibai’s enthusiasm for embracing her new citizenship status. However, amidst the applause, some voices raised concerns regarding the delays in the immigration process. One individual pointed out the disparity, emphasizing that many Indians on H1B visas may not secure their green cards even by advanced ages like 99 or even 150.
Others echoed the sentiment, urging for a more streamlined and expeditious immigration process, particularly for hardworking immigrants striving for citizenship. The discourse around immigration resonates deeply within communities, where individuals aspire to contribute and integrate into their adopted homeland.
Indian Americans have made significant contributions across various fields, including technology, business, and entertainment. Notable figures like Ajay Banga, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Indra Nooyi, and Kal Penn exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Statistics from the USCIS annual report underscore the growing number of Indians acquiring US citizenship, with over 59,000 Indians naturalized in 2023. This places India as the second-largest source country for new citizens in the US, following Mexico. The report also reveals that a significant portion of foreign nationals obtaining citizenship had spent several years as lawful permanent residents, reflecting the lengthy process required for naturalization.
