Every year, the United States, recognized as the world's foremost superpower, attracts people from across the globe who aspire to live there. Among those drawn to its promise of opportunity are many Indians, striving to secure American citizenship. Remarkably, in the fiscal year 2024, a significant number of Indians - 49,700 to be precise-successfully obtained US citizenship through naturalization, making India the second-largest national group to do so.
In the landscape of US immigration, India's contribution is notable. Indians constituted 6.1% of the total new American citizens in fiscal year 2024, trailing only Mexico, which led the list with 13.1% of its nationals receiving US Green Cards. Following India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam rounded out the top five, with percentages at 5.0%, 4.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. Combined, these five nations account for a third of the new citizenships granted, illustrating a diverse influx of new Americans.
Delving deeper into the demographics of Indian new citizens, it's observed that 70% reside in just ten states. Predominantly, these states are California, Florida, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Washington, with over half of the Indian immigrants settling in the first four. This distribution highlights the significant presence and influence of the Indian community within certain regions of the US.
The process of naturalization, through which individuals born outside the United States become citizens, is rigorous. According to the Congressional Research Service, in 2022, alongside 128,878 Mexicans and 65,960 Indians, substantial numbers of Filipinos and Cubans—53,413 and 46,913 respectively—also achieved US citizenship through this process. Applicants must be Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), proficient in American English, pass a US government examination, and undergo an interview. Success in these steps leads to citizenship, granting them equal rights enjoyed by American-born citizens.
This influx of new American citizens from India and other nations underscores the United States' ongoing role as a magnet for people seeking new opportunities and the continuing trend of global migration. As individuals from diverse backgrounds become part of the American social fabric, they contribute to the country's rich multicultural identity and economic dynamism. In conclusion, the journey towards American citizenship is a testament to the enduring appeal of the United States as a land of opportunity and its welcoming spirit towards immigrants from around the world.