India 2nd largest source country for new citizens in US

Washington: India became the second largest source country for new citizens in the United States after 65,960 Indians officially became US citizens, PTI reported.

Mexico is the largest source country for the US.

As of 2022, 46 million foreign-born are residing in the US, which is approximately 14 per cent of the 333 million population of the country, according to American Community Survey data from the US Census Bureau. Out of 46 million, 24.5 million or 53 per cent are naturalised citizens

The independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) published its “US Naturalisation Policy” report on April 15, and it stated that 969,380 individuals became naturalised US citizens in 2022.

“Individuals born in Mexico represented the largest number of naturalisations, followed by persons from India, Philippines, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic,” the report said.

CRS said, based on available data, that 1,28,878 Mexican nationals became American citizens. Then comes the Indian numbers and then the Philippines (53,413), Cuba (46,913), Dominican Republic (34,525), Vietnam (33,246) and China (27,038).

Further, CRS states that as of 2023, the count of foreign-born American nationals from India is 28,31,330. This is the second largest after Mexico, which has 1,06,38,429. China follows both with 22,25,447 foreign-born American nationals.

However, the CRS reports suggested that 42 per cent of Indian-born foreign nationals in the US are currently ineligible for US citizenship.

To be eligible for naturalisation, an applicant must fulfil certain eligibility requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The requirements generally include being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years, PTI reports.