In fiscal year 2023, USCIS welcomed 878,500 new citizens during naturalization ceremonies held both domestically and internationally. This significant number of naturalizations in 2023 accounted for nearly a quarter (24%) of all naturalizations over the past decade. Here are some key points from the naturalization statistics:
- Monthly Naturalizations in FY 2023:
- Despite limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS was able to return to normal production levels for naturalization applications in FY 2021. In FY 2023, production levels for naturalization applications continued to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
- The field offices in Dallas (4.1% of all naturalizations), Houston (4.1%), Chicago (3.7%), Newark (3.4%), and San Francisco (2.9%) naturalized the largest number of new citizens in FY 2023.
- Countries of Birth:
- Among the top five countries of birth for people naturalizing in FY 2023:
- Mexico led with 12.7% of all naturalizations
- India followed with 6.7
- The Philippines accounted for 5.1%
- The Dominican Republic contributed 4.0%
- Cuba represented 3.8%
- Collectively, these top five countries of birth comprised 32% of the naturalized citizens in FY 2023.
- Among the top five countries of birth for people naturalizing in FY 2023:
- State, City/Borough, and Core-Based Statistical Area of Residence:
- Of all citizens naturalized in FY 2023:
- 70% resided in the following 10 states (in descending order): California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia.
- More than 50% resided in the top four states.
- The top five cities (including boroughs) where naturalized citizens resided were (in descending order): Brooklyn, Miami, Houston, the Bronx, and Los Angeles.
- Of all citizens naturalized in FY 2023:
- Age and Gender:
- More than 39% of citizens naturalized in FY 2023 were between 30 and 44 years old.
- The median age of those naturalizing in FY 2023 was 41 years.
- Surprisingly, 37 new citizens were age 100 and older!
Naturalization Eligibility:
- Minimum Age:
- To apply for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old. If you’re younger than 18, you may still be eligible if you meet specific criteria (such as being the child of a U.S. citizen).
- Physical Presence and Continuous Residence:
- You need to demonstrate that you have been physically present in the United States for a specific period of time. Generally, you must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years(or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- During this time, you must also maintain continuous residence, meaning you haven’t left the country for extended periods.
- Residency:
- You should be a lawful permanent resident(commonly known as a green card holder) for a certain duration before applying for naturalization.
- The continuous residence requirement is closely related to your residency status.
- Good Moral Character:
- USCIS evaluates your moral character during the naturalization process. This assessment considers factors such as criminal history, honesty, and integrity.
- It’s essential to demonstrate that you have been a law-abiding resident.
- English Proficiency and U.S. Civil Knowledge:
- You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Some exceptions exist based on age and length of residency.
- Additionally, you need to pass a civics test that assesses your knowledge of U.S. government, history, and the Constitution.
- Selective Service Registration:
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- If you are a male between 18 and 26 years old, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (unless exempt due to specific reasons).
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