The Indian diaspora in the United States continues to make remarkable progress, solidifying its place as a significant and influential community. In the fiscal year 2024, Indians became the second-largest group to secure American citizenship or Green Cards, according to data released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A total of 49,700 Indians were naturalized during this period, making up 6.1% of all new U.S. citizens. This places them second only to Mexico, which accounted for 13.1% of the total, demonstrating the consistent growth and integration of Indians within the U.S. social and economic fabric.
The USCIS report outlined the top five countries of origin for individuals who naturalized in 2024. Mexico led with 13.1%, followed by India (6.1%), the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%). These figures underscore the prominence of India in contributing to the diverse pool of foreign-born citizens in the United States.
Naturalization, the process through which foreign-born individuals become U.S. citizens, requires fulfilling specific criteria. These include maintaining lawful permanent residency for at least five years, demonstrating basic English language proficiency, passing a U.S. history and government test, attending a formal interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance. Once naturalized, individuals gain access to the full spectrum of rights, privileges, and responsibilities afforded to native-born Americans, including the right to vote and hold public office.
The pathway to citizenship for many Indians often begins through family-sponsored preferences, immediate relative categories, or employment-based immigration. Additionally, refugees, asylees, and participants in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program contribute to these numbers. Notably, in FY 2024, about 70% of all newly naturalized citizens, including those of Indian origin, resided in just 10 states. These states—California, Florida, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Washington—serve as hubs for immigrant communities, providing opportunities for economic advancement and cultural integration. Over half of the naturalized citizens were concentrated in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, emphasizing their status as key destinations for Indian immigrants.
This trend builds on the momentum from previous years. For instance, the Congressional Research Service reported in 2022 that 65,960 Indians became U.S. citizens, second only to 128,878 Mexicans. This steady increase highlights the enduring appeal of the United States as a destination for Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a better future. As of 2023, Indians represented the second-largest group of foreign-born U.S. nationals, numbering 2.83 million, trailing only Mexico’s 10.6 million and ahead of China’s 2.22 million.
The influence of the Indian-American community is palpable across various sectors, from technology and medicine to academia and public service. Their rising demographic presence not only reflects their successful assimilation but also their ability to contribute significantly to the U.S. economy and society. These accomplishments resonate with the broader narrative of immigration as a cornerstone of the American experience, reaffirming the vital role that communities like the Indian diaspora play in shaping the nation's multicultural identity.
With each passing year, the Indian-American community continues to thrive, making strides in education, innovation, and civic engagement. Their growing presence exemplifies the potential of immigration to enrich the United States, fostering a dynamic, diverse, and globally connected society. The continued upward trajectory of Indian naturalization rates underscores their commitment to the values of their adopted homeland and their determination to carve out a prominent place in its future.
