The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) welcomed 878,500 new citizens during the fiscal year 2023 in naturalization ceremonies held both domestically and internationally, marking a significant portion of the last decade’s total naturalizations. These ceremonies serve as a testament to the nation’s enduring history of embracing immigrants from across the globe.
The statistics indicate a return to normal production levels for naturalization applications in fiscal year 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Notably, field offices in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco led the naturalization process, collectively contributing to 24% of all naturalizations.
Mexico topped the list among the five leading countries of birth for naturalized citizens, followed by India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Over 70% of all citizens naturalized in FY 2023 resided in the top 10 states, with California, Texas, and Florida leading the way.
Additionally, Brooklyn, Miami, Houston, the Bronx, and Los Angeles emerged as the top cities where new citizens chose to reside.
Age and gender statistics reveal that more than 39% of citizens naturalized in FY 2023 were between 30 and 44 years old, with a median age of 41. Women constituted nearly 55% of the newly naturalized citizens, dominating every age group.
The data further illustrates the eligibility criteria for naturalization, with a majority being lawful permanent residents for at least 5 years. The median years spent as a permanent resident varied by the country of birth, emphasizing the diverse journeys of those gaining citizenship.
The report also sheds light on the class of admission, indicating that most naturalized citizens came to the United States as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or through family-sponsored preference categories.
The naturalization test, a crucial step in the process, saw an initial pass rate of 89.5%, with applicants who took both the initial and re-exam achieving a pass rate of 95.3%. The involvement of attorneys or accredited representatives was observed in 19.3% of the naturalization proceedings.
Furthermore, USCIS approved fee waivers for 14.6% of those naturalized in FY 2023, with a higher percentage for females and individuals aged 65 and older.
These comprehensive statistics provide valuable insights into the diverse paths individuals take to become U.S. citizens, reflecting the continued importance of immigration to the fabric of the nation.
Source: USCIS
