In a landmark achievement, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) annual progress report for 2023 reveals that more than 59,000 Indians successfully obtained US citizenship during the fiscal year. Despite facing challenges in visa processing due to the pandemic, the report highlights a significant increase in the number of new citizens, making up 6.7% of the total naturalizations.
The official data indicates that a total of 8.7 lakh foreign nationals became US citizens in 2023. Among them, 1.1 lakh Mexicans accounted for 12.7% of the new citizens, while Indians constituted 6.7%. Additionally, the report notes that 35,200 individuals from the Dominican Republic (4%) and 44,800 from the Philippines (5.1%) were also among the newly enlisted American citizens.
To qualify for US citizenship, individuals must meet eligibility criteria specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This includes being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. The majority of new citizens in FY 2023 fulfilled this requirement, while some qualified through marriage to a US citizen or military service during specified hostilities.
The report emphasizes that obtaining naturalization requires a minimum of five years as an LPR. However, spouses of US citizens must spend at least three years as lawful permanent residents. In FY 2023, naturalizations accounted for almost a quarter of all naturalizations over the past decade, with a median of seven years spent as an LPR for those naturalized.
Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India reported a decline in visa processing delays in 2023. A record 1.4 million visas were processed, alleviating wait times for Indian applicants. However, the surge in visa applications also shed light on the persistent pursuit of American citizenship by a growing number of Indians, particularly from the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
The data reveals that between October 2022 and September 2023, nearly 42,000 migrants from India attempted to enter the United States illegally, primarily through the southern land border with Mexico. The Customs and Border Protection agency reported an increase in expulsions and apprehensions, with 96,000 Indians caught or expelled during the year.
As India continues to contribute significantly to the pool of new US citizens, the challenges in the visa application process and the rise in illegal border crossings underscore the enduring aspiration of many Indians to pursue opportunities and a better life in the United States.
