Survey shows jump in number of new U.S. citizens
Seeking U.S. citizenship is the ultimate dream for many immigrants. That dream has now been realized for many, as the United States has seen a 10-year high in immigrant naturalization in 2022.
Naturalization up
A survey from the Pew Research Center reports that the number of immigrants in the United States obtaining naturalization is the highest it has been in a decade. In the 2022 fiscal year, more than 900,000 immigrants were granted U.S. citizenship.
This is in contrast to the steep decline in naturalizations at the beginning of the global health crisis back in 2020.
Researchers cite an increase in migrants receiving green cards and an increase in lawful temporary migrants coming to the United States as the reason for the recent uptick in naturalization compared to 2020.
Steps in obtaining U.S. citizenship
This increase in naturalization is good news for U.S. immigrants. If you are interested in naturalization, it can help to familiarize yourself with the steps it takes to become a U.S. citizen.
First, you must be a green card holder for a minimum of five years, three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
You also must meet eligibility requirements. For example, you cannot apply for citizenship until you are age 18 or older. You must have basic literacy skills in the English language. You must have good moral character.
If eligible, you will then complete the 10-step naturalization process. Some of these steps include:
- Submitting a Form N-400
- Taking a U.S. Naturalization Test, and
- Attending a personal interview
Naturalization is a wonderful goal, but if all the steps towards citizenship are not completed properly it can lead to costly delays.
Some immigrants seeking naturalization find it is helpful to work with a professional who can help explain U.S. law and naturalization requirements.