The number of immigrants becoming U.S. citizens saw a significant increase in 2022, with over 900,000 naturalizations marking the highest number in a decade, according to a Pew Research Center report. This figure is the third-highest on record and the highest since 2008 when over a million immigrants became U.S. citizens.
Key Findings:
- Spike in Naturalizations:
The increase in naturalizations in 2022 coincided with a general rise in immigration and travel to the U.S. The pandemic had caused a dramatic drop in 2020, with only 81,000 immigrants becoming citizens in the April-June period. Pre-pandemic, the average number of naturalizations was around 190,000 per quarter. - Backlog:
Despite the surge in citizenship applications, many immigrants are still waiting for approval. By the end of June 2022, there were 673,000 pending naturalization applications, though this was down from over a million in December 2020. The backlog remains higher than it was from 2012 to 2016. - Regional Variations:
Immigrants from Europe and Asia are the most likely to naturalize, with 73% of green card holders from these regions obtaining U.S. citizenship. Immigrants from the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America saw naturalization increases between 15% and 26% compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, naturalizations among Chinese citizens dropped by 20% from pre-pandemic levels. - General Immigration Trends:
In addition to naturalizations, the U.S. saw increases in green card recipients, tourists, international students, and other temporary migrants.
This increase in naturalizations highlights both a broader trend of rising immigration and a strong desire for permanent residency among immigrants, despite ongoing processing delays.
The Surge in Naturalization Applications in 2024
Specific Statistics or Reports on the Rise of Naturalizations
As of January 9, 2025, the surge in naturalization applications in 2024 has been notable, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reporting that approximately 818,500 new citizens were welcomed during the fiscal year. This figure represents a 12% increase from the pre-pandemic average of around 730,100 naturalizations per year from 2010 to 2019. Although this marks a 7% decrease from the previous year, the three-year total has exceeded 2.6 million new citizens, indicating a sustained interest in U.S. citizenship.The monthly naturalization rates in FY 2024 have returned to normal levels following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Major field offices such as Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco accounted for significant portions of these naturalizations, each contributing approximately 3% of the total.
Explore How the 2024 Naturalization Trend Stands Out from Previous Years
The 2024 naturalization trend stands out for several reasons:
- Increased Processing Efficiency: The average processing time for citizenship applications dropped to about five months, a 15% reduction from the previous year and over 50% lower than in 2022. This improvement has encouraged eligible green card holders to apply for citizenship.
- Political Climate and Upcoming Elections: The upcoming presidential election has historically prompted surges in naturalization applications as eligible residents seek to secure their citizenship rights before election day. Many applicants aimed to become citizens in time to vote in the November elections.
- Streamlined Processes: Under the Biden administration, significant strides have been made to streamline the application process and reduce backlogs, making it easier for applicants to navigate the path to citizenship.
Factors Driving the Rise in Naturalizations
Analysis of Factors Such as Policy Changes, Political Climate, Economic Opportunities, and Immigration Reforms
Several key factors have driven the increase in naturalization applications:
- Policy Changes: The Biden administration’s focus on immigration reform has led to more accessible pathways for citizenship. Efforts to reduce backlogs and improve processing efficiency have encouraged eligible applicants to pursue naturalization.
- Political Climate: The heightened political awareness surrounding elections often motivates eligible immigrants to secure their citizenship. The desire to participate in shaping policies that affect their lives is a strong motivator for many applicants.
- Economic Opportunities: As economic conditions improve and job opportunities expand, many immigrants see U.S. citizenship as a means to enhance their stability and access better employment prospects.
The Role of the Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies
The Biden administration has played a crucial role in shaping the current landscape of naturalization:
- Streamlining Processes: Initiatives aimed at reducing processing times and addressing backlogs have made it easier for applicants to navigate the naturalization process.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to raise awareness about eligibility and benefits of citizenship have encouraged more immigrants to apply.
- Supportive Policies: The administration’s emphasis on inclusivity and support for immigrant communities has fostered an environment conducive to increased naturalization rates.
The Path to U.S. Citizenship: Eligibility and Process
Overview of the Naturalization Process (Requirements, Tests, Interviews)
The path to U.S. citizenship typically involves several key steps:
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be lawful permanent residents (green card holders) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen). They must also demonstrate good moral character, knowledge of English, and understanding of U.S. history and government.
- Application Submission: Eligible applicants complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and submit it along with required documentation and fees.
- Biometrics Appointment: After submitting their application, applicants are scheduled for a biometrics appointment where fingerprints are taken for background checks.
- Interview and Testing: Applicants attend an interview with a USCIS officer who reviews their application and administers an English language test and civics test covering U.S. history and government.
- Oath Ceremony: If approved, applicants are scheduled for an oath ceremony where they take an oath of allegiance and officially become U.S. citizens.
How the Process May Have Been Simplified or Streamlined in Recent Years
Recent years have seen significant improvements in the naturalization process:
- Reduced Processing Times: As mentioned earlier, processing times have decreased dramatically due to efforts by USCIS to address backlogs from previous years.
- Increased Resources: The hiring of additional staff at USCIS has helped facilitate faster application processing.
- Enhanced Online Services: USCIS has improved its online application system, making it easier for applicants to submit forms electronically and track their application status.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the US straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, Visitor Visa, or Study Visa, we handle every step from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need in the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
