India Emerges as Second-Largest Source of New US Citizens: A Closer Look

In a significant development, India has secured its position as the second-largest source country for new citizens in the United States. According to the latest Congressional report, a total of 65,960 Indians officially became US citizens in 20221. Let’s delve into the details and explore the implications of this trend.

The Numbers Speak

65,960 Indians: This impressive figure represents the number of India-born foreign nationals who successfully obtained US citizenship last year. It reflects the growing desire among Indians to become part of the American fabric.

2,831,330 India-Born Foreign Nationals: As of 2023, a staggering 2.8 million foreign-born American nationals hail from India. This places India second only to Mexico, which boasts a larger number of foreign-born citizens in the US2.

Why the Surge?

Several factors contribute to India’s prominence as a source of new US citizens:

Education and Employment Opportunities: The US continues to attract Indian professionals seeking higher education, specialized training, and job opportunities. Fields such as technology, medicine, and engineering remain popular choices.

Family Reunification: Many Indians already settled in the US sponsor family members for immigration. The desire to reunite with loved ones drives a significant portion of India’s immigration numbers.

Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery): The Diversity Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, provides a pathway for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to obtain permanent residency in the US. India consistently participates in this program.

Challenges and Ineligibility

Despite the surge in naturalizations, challenges persist:

Ineligibility: Approximately 42% of India-born foreign nationals living in the US are currently ineligible to become US citizens. Factors such as legal status, visa type, and residency duration impact eligibility.

Processing Backlogs: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) faces processing backlogs for naturalization applications. While progress has been made in reducing pending applications, delays remain3.

The Road Ahead

India’s growing influence as a source of new US citizens underscores the strong ties between the two nations. As more Indians seek opportunities abroad, the US remains an attractive destination. Balancing immigration policies, addressing backlogs, and ensuring fairness will be critical in managing this influx.

In summary, India’s ascent to the second-largest source of new US citizens reflects both individual aspirations and the enduring allure of the American dream.