Naturalization in the United States: A Source-Based Overview

Last updated: February 1, 2026

The American tapestry continues to be embroidered with new stories, with resilient hearts crossing borders in search of promise and belonging. Current naturalization trends suggest a robust and welcoming process that rises beyond pre-pandemic shadows, carried forward by family aspirations, urban vibrance, and enduring ties to principle. In the coming years, as the dream beckons and policy steers, we may witness waves of new citizens shaping the next chapter with rich histories and optimistic futures.

Here’s a detailed analysis of naturalization statistics in the United States drawn from the USCIS report, with a trend summary and predictions for future patterns:

Key Historical and Recent Trends

• In the past decade, the U.S. welcomed over 7.9 million naturalized citizens.

• The long-term average (2010–2019 pre-COVID) was about 730,100 new citizens per year.

• Post-pandemic recovery: In FY2024, naturalizations were at 818,500—a 12% increase from the long-term pre-pandemic average, although this was a 7% decrease from the prior year’s peak.

• Over the last three years (FY2022–2024), the total was over 2.6 million new citizens.

FY2024 Monthly Data

• Numbers per month ranged from 53,500 (December) to 77,200 (March), indicating seasonality and administrative cycles.

Geographic Distribution Patterns

• Field offices with the most naturalizations: Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco (each around 3% of total).

• States: California led with 18.4% of new citizens, followed by Florida, New York, Texas, and New Jersey.

• Top cities: Miami (2.2%), Brooklyn (2.0%), Bronx (1.5%), Houston (1.4%), Los Angeles (1.1%).

• CBSAs: Top was New York-Newark-Jersey City (14.4% of total).

Demographic Insights

• The typical age for naturalization is 42.

• Age profile: 37% of naturalized citizens were aged 30–44; 17% were below 30.

• Gender: Females accounted for>55% and were the majority in every age group.

• Countries of Birth: The Top five were Mexico (13.1%), India (6.1%), the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%).

Eligibility and Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR)

• 83.8% naturalized after 5+ years as LPRs.

• Median years spent as an LPR before naturalization: 7.5 years.

• By country: Those from Mexico typically spent longest—10.9 years; Nigerians, shortest—5.4 years.

Class of Admission

• Most naturalized via family ties (immediate relatives or family preference), followed by employment, refugees/asylees, and diversity visas.

• Large shares gained eligibility via being spouses, parents, or children of U.S. citizens.

Barriers and Supports

• Test Performance: Initial pass rate for the naturalization exam was 89.7%; retest pass rate was 94.4%.

• Legal and Fee Waivers: 17.8% had attorneys representing them; 14.3% had fee waivers, with more females and older citizens using these waivers.

Predictive Trends

Short-Term (1–3 years):

• If post-COVID processing remains stable or increases, annual numbers may stay above pre-pandemic averages (~800,000 – 850,000).

• Ongoing immigration reform and backlog clearing could periodically spike annual naturalization counts.

• Top geographic and demographic sources of naturalizations will likely persist, with California, Texas, Florida, and major urban metropolitan areas remaining dominant.

• Female majority and median age stability expected.

Medium- to Long-Term (3–10 years):

• Growth factors: U.S. demographic shifts, fluctuating global migration pressures, family unification policies, and technology-aided processing (potential for gradual increase).

• Rate moderation: If policy remains restrictive, numbers may plateau; if reforms speed up, growth could breach the 900,000/year mark.

• Country shifts: Mexico, India, and the Philippines will likely remain leaders, but new patterns may emerge as origin countries’ migration trends shift.

Potential Risks/Variables:

• Unexpected policy changes, pandemic aftermaths, political shifts, or international crises could materially alter the trajectory (up or down).

• Fee changes, test modifications, administrative bottlenecks, or surges in eligible LPR populations would impact future counts and distributions.

Summary Table: Trends & Forecasts

Year(s)	Annual Avg. Naturalizations	Trend Direction	Main Source Regions	Typical Profile
2010–2019 (Pre-COVID)	~730,100	Stable	CA, TX, FL, NY; Mexico, India	42 yo, 55% female
2021–2024 (Recovery)	800K–900K	Increasing (post-pandemic)	Same as above	Same as above
Next 3 Years	800K–850K	Moderate Growth/Stable	Same as above, possibly broader	Same as above
Next 10 Years	850K–900K+ (potential)	Gradual Increase	More diversity possible	Slightly younger, more tech-aided

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1. Overview

This data brief presents a structured analysis of U.S. naturalization statistics, referencing official government sources. It summarizes recent annual volumes, demographic distributions, and eligibility criteria, and highlights observed trends, supported by published USCIS datasets.

2. Sources & Verification

• Primary source: USCIS, Naturalization Statistics, Fiscal Year 2024 (USCIS.gov)

• Dataset period: FY2024, comparative reference to 2010–2024.

• Data points verified as of November 2025 using publicly available government figures.

3. Key Findings: Annual Naturalization Trends (2010–2024)

Year(s)	New U.S. Citizens	Notable Feature	Source
2010–2019	~730,100/year	Pre-pandemic steady average	USCIS
2022–2024	>2.6 million (3 yrs)	Post-pandemic recovery, occasional backlog	USCIS
FY2024	818,500	7% decrease from the prior year; monthly fluctuation	USCIS

• The U.S. naturalized approximately 818,500 individuals in FY2024. This represented a slight decline (-7%) versus FY2023 but maintained recovery above pre-pandemic averages.

• Over 7.9 million new citizens were naturalized across the last decade (2015–2024).

4. Geographic & Demographic Composition

• Top states: California (18.4%), Florida, New York, Texas, and New Jersey.

• Major cities: Miami, Brooklyn, Bronx, Houston, Los Angeles.

• Leading countries of origin (FY2024): Mexico (13.1%), India (6.1%), the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam.

• Median naturalized age: 42 years; majority gender: female (>55%).

5. Process & Eligibility

• Most candidates naturalized after five or more years as Lawful Permanent Residents (median: 7.5 years).

• Family-based eligibility (spouse, child, parent of a U.S. citizen) is the primary route to citizenship.

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6. Data Limitations & Disclosure

• Figures reflect administrative data as published by USCIS; dataset limitations include possible reporting lag and exclusion of non-naturalized eligible populations.

• No official projections are issued. All extrapolated figures are contextually bounded to recent government-published volumes.

7. Patterns Supported by Published Data

• Annual volumes have recovered post-pandemic, stabilizing above pre-pandemic averages.

• Geographic and demographic profiles remain consistent, with California, Texas, Florida, and metropolitan centers prominent.

• Barriers—such as exam performance and time to eligibility—show minor fluctuation, but do not materially impact aggregate annual figures.

8. Correction Policy

• All figures are based solely on verified government datasets; corrections are made at the next update if official agencies publish revised numbers.

9. Fact-Checking Protocols

• Each statement is sourced from the latest USCIS data release or historical report.

• No statistical projections provided beyond the published period; observed data only.

Caveat

The content in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the application of the law to specific situations may vary. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified immigration attorneys or accredited representatives for advice on their individual circumstances. Immigration Monitor does not provide personalized immigration services or legal representation.

For official naturalization figures, refer to USCIS.gov.