More than 277,000 Africans were granted United States (U.S) citizenship between 2021 and 2023, and Nigerians accounted for the largest portion of this group.
With 38,890 new US citizens between 2021 and 2023 (10,920 in 2021, 14,440 in 2022, and 13,530 in 2023), Nigerians accounted for approximately 14 per cent of all Africans naturalised in that period, solidifying the country’s position as the leading source of African-born US citizens.
These figures are based from data the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which reveals that Nigerians are leading the charge in African migration to the US.
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The figures also pinpoints to Nigeria’s continued dominance in this demographic and also reflects the country’s persistent pursuit of opportunities abroad.
Despite fluctuations in overall U.S. naturalisations during this period, Africa’s consistent share highlights the continent’s increasing role in shaping America’s immigration landscape.
Securing U.S. citizenship through naturalisation grants them almost all the rights and protections enjoyed by native-born Americans, including the right to vote and full engagement in civic life.
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Africa’s growing presence in this trend is particularly noteworthy, with the continent’s share reaching a record 11 per cent of naturalisations in both 2022 and 2023, a notable rise from 9.6 per cent in the previous decade.
Between 2021 and 2023, 277,430 Africans were granted U.S. citizenship, with the numbers climbing from 76,010 in 2021 to 106,090 in 2022 before a slight dip to 95,330 in 2023
Across the U.S., a total of 878,460 people became new citizens in 2023. While this marks a 9.4 per cent decrease from the 969,380 new citizens in 2022, the figure remains 20 per cent higher than the pre-COVID-19 annual average of 730,100 seen between 2010 and 2019.
The number of naturalisation applications also saw an increase, rising by 6 per cent from 781,080 in 2022 to 827,610 in 2023.
The primary countries of origin, asides Africa for new citizens in 2023 were Mexico (111,460), India (59,050), the Philippines (44,760), the Dominican Republic (35,220), and Vietnam (33,310).
California, Texas, and New York were the top three states where these new citizens resided.
Historically, Europe was the primary source of U.S. naturalisations, but since the 1970s, Asia has held the lead, followed by North America. In 2023, Mexico led all countries of birth, contributing 13 per cent of new citizens, followed by India (6.7 per cent), the Philippines (5.1 per cent), the Dominican Republic (4 per cent), and Vietnam (3.8 per cent)
Within Africa, Nigeria stands out as the clear leader. With 38,890 new US citizens between 2021 and 2023 (10,920 in 2021, 14,440 in 2022, and 13,530 in 2023), Nigerians accounted for approximately 14 per cent of all Africans naturalised in that period, solidifying the country’s position as the leading source of African-born U.S. citizens.
How to qualify for a US citizenship
To qualify for US citizenship, applicants must meet several stringent requirements, including being at least 18 years old, filing the necessary Form N-400, and passing background checks, interviews, and English and civics tests.
Most applicants are also required to have five years of permanent residency with at least 30 months of physical presence in the U.S. Additionally, they must demonstrate good moral character and a commitment to the US Constitution.
