In FY 2024, Indians emerged as the second-largest group to achieve US citizenship, with 49,700 individuals naturalizing, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This milestone underscores the Indian-American community’s growing prominence in the United States, which now boasts a population of five million.
The USCIS report revealed that Indians accounted for 6.1% of all new US citizens, trailing only Mexico, which led to 13.1%. Other countries among the top five included the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%), collectively contributing to 33% of the year’s naturalizations.
Naturalization is a significant process that enables foreign-born individuals to become US citizens. It involves fulfilling specific criteria, including holding lawful permanent residency for five years, passing an English language and US history exam, attending an interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance. Those who naturalize enjoy the same rights and privileges as native-born citizens.
The USCIS data also highlighted that 70% of all new citizens, including Indians, resided in just 10 states, with California, Florida, New York, and Texas accounting for more than 50%. This distribution reflects the states’ appeal as cultural and economic hubs for immigrants.
Comparing trends, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) noted that in 2022, 65,960 Indians became US citizens, second only to Mexico’s 128,878. As of 2023, India ranks second globally in foreign-born nationals residing in the US, with 2.83 million, following Mexico’s 10.6 million and ahead of China’s 2.22 million.
This surge in naturalizations highlights the Indian-American community’s continued contributions to the cultural and economic landscape of the United States. By securing the second spot in citizenship numbers, Indians are reaffirming their role in shaping the country’s diverse fabric.
