AHMEDABAD: Solidifying their presence in the US, Indians emerged as the second-largest group to gain US citizenship in FY 2024. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department, 49,700 Indians were naturalised last year, making up 6.1% of new citizens. They cemented their place in the American fabric, just behind Mexico’s 13.1%.
Naturalisation is the process to become a US citizen if you were born outside of the United States wherein lawful permanent residents acquire US citizenship after meeting criteria established under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“The top five countries of origin for new citizens between Nov 2023 and Oct 2024 were Mexico, India, the Philippines (5%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%) and Vietnam (4.1%). Together, these countries contributed 33% of the total naturalised citizens in FY 2024,” the report said.
An analysis of the USCIS report revealed that Indians predominantly reside in states such as California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois. These states also have the highest rates of naturalisation. These areas are renowned for their substantial Indian diaspora communities, fostered by abundant technological, healthcare and business job opportunities.
Sources in the immigration network emphasised the strong presence of Gujaratis among Indian immigrants in the US. “There are several cases where Indian people, mostly Gujaratis, first succeed in getting asylum on the grounds of persecution based on race, religion and political ideology. Later, they secure work authorization even though they are undocumented citizens, and apply for the naturalisation process,” said a source.