Out of approximately 9 million immigrants eligible for U.S. citizenship, 2.5 million are of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent. In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, a new digital campaign is urging eligible AAPI immigrants to take the step toward naturalization and become U.S. citizens.
Who’s Behind the Campaign?
The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is leading this initiative to make the naturalization process more accessible to immigrant communities across the United States. Partnering with Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), NPNA launched the “Naturalize #2Millionby2022” campaign to empower eligible green card holders in AAPI communities.
This campaign aims to directly reach AAPI immigrants and encourage them to complete their immigration journey by applying for U.S. citizenship.
Why Naturalization Matters for AAPI Communities
Becoming a U.S. citizen offers numerous benefits, which the campaign highlights:
- Increased job opportunities, including eligibility for government positions.
- Freedom to travel internationally without many of the restrictions that non-citizens face.
- Access to public assistance programs and greater financial security.
- The right to vote, providing a voice in shaping policies and elections.
For AAPI individuals, U.S. citizenship is more than a personal milestone—it’s a way to strengthen political representation and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
AAPI Communities: A Growing Influence
As one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States, AAPI communities have significant potential to influence elections and public policies. Between 2000 and 2019, the U.S. Asian population nearly doubled, with estimates suggesting it will exceed 46 million by 2060.
Recent years have already shown the power of AAPI voters:
- In the past three presidential elections, AAPI voter turnout increased dramatically.
- Approximately 620,000 new AAPI voter registrations were recorded during these cycles.
Naturalization offers AAPI immigrants an opportunity to further shape the country’s political landscape, ensuring their communities are well-represented socially and politically.
How to Get Involved
The #2Millionby2022 campaign is designed to be a grassroots effort, encouraging individuals to share the message both online and offline. Participants can learn more about the campaign, its benefits, and how to support it by visiting the official website or connecting through their local communities.
For eligible AAPI immigrants, naturalization is more than a legal process it’s a chance to fully embrace their role in shaping the United States’ future. By becoming U.S. citizens, they gain access to life-changing opportunities, a stronger voice in elections, and the ability to secure a better future for their families and communities.
With initiatives like Naturalize #2Millionby2022, organizations like NPNA and APIAVote are making the dream of citizenship more accessible than ever. Together, they’re helping AAPI immigrants take the final step toward becoming fully recognized members of their communities.
