Recently released figures show that the number of permanent residents who became citizens of the United States last year surpassed 757,000.
This means that in the past decade the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has naturalised more than 7.4 million people.
Deciding to become a US citizen can be a very important milestone in an immigrant’s life. Individuals must demonstrate a commitment to the unifying principles that bind them as American and, in return, will enjoy many of the rights and privileges that are fundamental to US citizenship.
Last year, 73 per cent of all naturalised citizens resided in 10 states: California, Florida, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The leading metropolitan areas of residence for new citizens were New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (15 percent), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (7.8 percent), and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL (7.3 percent).
Mexico saw more residents become citizens than any other country, followed by India, Philippines, Cuba, and People’s Republic of China.
The general eligibility requirements that an applicant must meet to become a citizen are:
– Be at least 18 years of age;
– Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder);
– Have resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years;
– Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months;
– Be a person of good moral character;
– Be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language;
– Have knowledge of U.S. government and history;
– Demonstrate attachment to the principles of the Constitution and well disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States; and,
Be willing and able to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Article published 27th June 2019