Over the past three years, more than 277,000 Africans have been granted U.S. citizenship, with Nigerians accounting for the largest share.
The figures highlight Nigeria’s continued dominance in African migration to the United States, reflecting both the scale of the diaspora and the country’s longstanding pursuit of opportunities abroad.
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a major milestone for immigrants who meet the legal requirements under American immigration law. It grants them nearly all the rights and protections enjoyed by those born in the United States, including the right to vote and full participation in civic life.
U.S. Sees Nearly 900,000 New Citizens in 2023
The United States recorded 878,460 new citizens in 2023, a 9.4 percent drop from 969,380 in 2022 but still 20 percent above the 2010–2019 annual average of 730,100 before COVID-19. Applications for naturalization also rose by 6 percent, from 781,080 in 2022 to 827,610 in 2023.
The leading countries of birth 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 (154,520), Texas (100,290), and New York (94,210) were the top states of residence for those naturalized.
While Europe once dominated U.S. naturalizations, Asia has led since the 1970s, followed by North America.
In 2023, Mexico led all countries of birth (13%), followed by India (6.7%), the Philippines (5.1%), the Dominican Republic (4%), and Vietnam (3.8%)
Africa’s rising share
Africa’s share has now reached record levels, accounting for 11 percent of naturalizations in both 2022 and 2023, up from 9.6 percent in the prior decade.
Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 277,430 Africans became U.S. citizens. The numbers grew from 76,010 in 2021 (9.3%) to 106,090 in 2022 (10.9%), before easing slightly to 95,330 in 2023 (10.9%).
While overall U.S. naturalizations fluctuated during this period, Africa’s share held firm, underscoring the continent’s growing role in shaping America’s immigrant story.
Nigeria leads Africa’s naturalization ranking
Nigeria stood out as Africa’s leader, with 38,890 new U.S. citizens between 2021 and 2023. This included 10,920 in 2021, 14,440 in 2022, and 13,530 in 2023.
Nigerians accounted for about 14 percent of all Africans naturalized during the period, reinforcing the country’s place as the leading source of African-born U.S. citizens.
US Naturalization process
To qualify for U.S. citizenship, applicants must be at least 18, file Form N-400, and complete background checks, interviews, and English and civics tests.
Most are required to have five years of permanent residency with at least 30 months of physical presence, though military service members may qualify sooner.
Applicants must also show good moral character and attachment to the Constitution.
