The appeal of the United States remains strong, attracting a considerable number of Indians and reinforcing their status as one of the largest demographics contributing to U.S. naturalizations. In Fiscal Year 2024, more than 50,000 Indians attained U.S. citizenship, positioning India as the second-largest source of naturalizations, following Mexico, which accounted for 13.1 percent. Indians represented 6.1 percent of all new U.S. citizens, with the Philippines (5.0 percent), the Dominican Republic (4.9 percent), and Vietnam (4.1 percent) following closely, as reported by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A significant number of Indians obtain permanent residency through employment-based preference categories, which play a crucial role in their path to naturalization.
The duration of lawful permanent residency prior to naturalization varies by nationality, with Indians often exemplifying this trend due to their pursuit of advanced career opportunities. In FY 2024, states and cities with large Indian American populations emerged as prominent centers for naturalizations, with California, Texas, and New York leading the way, while cities such as Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles hosted substantial naturalization ceremonies. Women comprised 55 percent of all naturalized citizens this year, with over 37 percent of new citizens falling within the age range of 30 to 44. The median age of naturalized citizens was 42, and 17 percent were under 30 years old. Many Indian families, including seniors seeking family reunification, have taken advantage of these pathways, thereby enhancing the community’s multigenerational presence. In response to economic difficulties, USCIS provided fee waivers to 14.3 percent of naturalized citizens in FY 2024, with older adults, including many Indian seniors, being significant beneficiaries of this initiative, which has facilitated greater access to citizenship.
