Citizenship in the United States 2025
The United States continues to maintain its position as the world’s leading destination for immigrants seeking citizenship, with the naturalization process remaining a cornerstone of American immigration policy. During the last decade, USCIS welcomed more than 7.9 million naturalized citizens into the fabric of our nation, demonstrating the ongoing appeal of American citizenship for individuals from around the globe. The naturalization process represents not just a legal transformation but a profound commitment to American values, principles, and democratic ideals.
USCIS welcomed 818,500 new citizens in fiscal year 2024, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s immigration history. This figure, while representing a 7% decrease from the previous year, still maintains robust levels that exceed pre-pandemic benchmarks by 12% compared to the 2010-2019 annual average of 730,100 naturalizations. The citizenship landscape in 2025 reflects both the resilience of America’s immigration system and the enduring desire of millions to become American citizens, with comprehensive data revealing fascinating patterns in demographics, geographic distribution, and eligibility pathways.
Interesting Stats & Facts About US Citizenship in 2025
| Citizenship Fact | 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| Total New Citizens FY 2024 | 818,500 |
| Median Age of New Citizens | 42 years |
| Female Naturalization Rate | 55% |
| Top Country of Birth | Mexico (13.1%) |
| Median Years as LPR | 7.5 years |
| Initial Test Pass Rate | 89.7% |
| Centenarians Naturalized | 23 citizens |
| Fee Waiver Recipients | 14.3% |
| Attorney Representation | 17.8% |
| Military Service Naturalization | 2% |
The data reveals remarkable diversity in the US citizenship statistics 2025, with women comprising the majority of new naturalized citizens at 55% across all age groups. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that 23 centenarians (individuals 100 years and older) became US citizens in 2024, demonstrating that the pursuit of American citizenship knows no age boundaries. The median age of 42 years indicates that most individuals pursue naturalization during their prime working years, contributing significantly to America’s economic growth and cultural diversity.
These US citizenship facts highlight the comprehensive nature of America’s naturalization system, accommodating individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and circumstances. The 89.7% initial pass rate for the naturalization test demonstrates the effectiveness of preparation programs and the commitment of applicants to master English language skills and US civics knowledge. Additionally, the 14.3% fee waiver rate shows USCIS’s commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent deserving candidates from achieving US citizenship.
US Citizenship by Year 2015-2024
| Fiscal Year | New Citizens | Year-over-Year Change | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 818,500 | -7% | Post-COVID Recovery Period |
| 2023 | 878,500 | +15% | Strong Recovery Year |
| 2022 | 765,000 | +25% | COVID Impact Recovery |
| 2021 | 612,000 | -35% | COVID-19 Pandemic Peak |
| 2020 | 940,000 | +25% | Pre-Pandemic High |
| 2019 | 750,000 | +8% | Steady Growth Period |
| 2018 | 695,000 | -12% | Policy Adjustment Year |
| 2017 | 790,000 | +18% | Immigration Surge |
| 2016 | 670,000 | -5% | Election Year Impact |
| 2015 | 705,000 | Baseline | Reference Year |
US citizenship year by year statistics for the last 10 years reveal the remarkable resilience of America’s naturalization system through various challenges and policy changes. During the last decade, USCIS welcomed more than 7.9 million naturalized citizens into the fabric of our nation, demonstrating consistent demand for American citizenship despite fluctuating annual totals. The 2024 total of 818,500 new citizens represents a 7% decrease from 2023 but maintains levels significantly above the COVID-19 pandemic low of 612,000 in 2021.
The decade’s pattern shows the dramatic impact of external events on naturalization rates, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating the most significant disruption in recent history. 2020 marked a pre-pandemic high of 940,000 naturalizations before dropping to 612,000 in 2021, the decade’s lowest point. The remarkable recovery began in 2022 with 765,000 naturalizations (+25%), followed by 2023’s strong performance at 878,500 (+15%), before settling to current levels in 2024. This 10-year trend demonstrates both the vulnerability of the naturalization system to external shocks and its capacity for rapid recovery when conditions normalize.
Naturalization Applications in the US 2024
| Application Category | Percentage | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| LPR for 5 Years (INA 316a) | 83.8% | 685,503 |
| Married to US Citizen 3 Years (INA 319a) | 14% | 114,590 |
| Military Service (INA 329) | 2% | 16,370 |
| Other Categories | 0.2% | 1,637 |
Naturalization applications in the US 2024 demonstrate clear patterns in eligibility pathways, with the overwhelming majority of new citizens (83.8%) qualifying through the standard five-year lawful permanent resident requirement. This pathway requires candidates to maintain continuous residence and physical presence in the United States for five years, demonstrating sustained commitment to American society. The substantial percentage following this traditional route underscores the importance of the green card process as the primary gateway to US citizenship.
The second-largest category represents spouses of US citizens (14%) who benefit from the reduced three-year residency requirement. This provision recognizes the unique circumstances of individuals married to American citizens, allowing for expedited naturalization while maintaining rigorous eligibility standards. Military service naturalization accounts for 2% of all naturalizations, honoring the service and sacrifice of foreign-born military members who serve in the US Armed Forces. These naturalization statistics reflect the diverse pathways available for achieving American citizenship while maintaining the integrity of the naturalization process.
Top Countries of Birth for US Citizens 2024
| Country | Number of Citizens | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 107,700 | 13.1% |
| India | 49,700 | 6.1% |
| Philippines | 41,200 | 5.0% |
| Dominican Republic | 39,900 | 4.9% |
| Cuba | 33,700 | 4.1% |
| Vietnam | 33,400 | 4.1% |
| China | 24,300 | 3.0% |
| El Salvador | 21,900 | 2.7% |
| Jamaica | 20,000 | 2.4% |
| Colombia | 17,900 | 2.2% |
Mexico continues to lead as the top country of birth for new US citizens in 2024, with 107,700 individuals representing 13.1% of all naturalizations. This substantial representation reflects the long-standing migration patterns between Mexico and the United States, as well as the large population of Mexican-born lawful permanent residents who have completed their naturalization journey. The median years spent as LPR for Mexican-born citizens was 10.9 years, the longest among major countries of birth, indicating a patient and deliberate approach to citizenship.
Asian countries demonstrate strong representation in US citizenship statistics 2024, with India (49,700 citizens), Philippines (41,200 citizens), Vietnam (33,400 citizens), and China (24,300 citizens) collectively accounting for a significant portion of new Americans. The Caribbean region is well-represented through Dominican Republic (39,900 citizens), Cuba (33,700 citizens), and Jamaica (20,000 citizens), reflecting historical migration patterns and family reunification priorities. These citizenship statistics underscore America’s role as a global destination for individuals seeking opportunity, freedom, and the chance to contribute to American society.
Geographic Distribution of US Citizenship 2024
| State | New Citizens | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| California | 150,200 | 18.4% |
| Florida | 93,300 | 11.4% |
| New York | 87,100 | 10.6% |
| Texas | 79,800 | 9.8% |
| New Jersey | 45,600 | 5.6% |
| Illinois | 27,200 | 3.3% |
| Virginia | 24,900 | 3.0% |
| Georgia | 24,600 | 3.0% |
| Massachusetts | 23,600 | 2.9% |
| Washington | 23,500 | 2.9% |
California maintains its position as the leading state for US naturalization in 2024, with 150,200 new citizens representing 18.4% of all naturalizations nationwide. This concentration reflects California’s historical role as a gateway state for immigration, diverse economy, and established immigrant communities that provide support networks for naturalization candidates. The state’s robust infrastructure for citizenship preparation, including ESL classes, civics education programs, and legal assistance, contributes to high naturalization rates.
The top ten states account for 70% of all naturalizations in 2024, demonstrating the concentrated nature of immigrant settlement patterns in the United States. Florida (93,300 citizens) and New York (87,100 citizens) round out the top three, benefiting from diverse economies, established immigrant communities, and comprehensive support systems. Texas (79,800 citizens) and New Jersey (45,600 citizens) complete the top five, with these states collectively representing more than 50% of all new American citizens. This geographic distribution reflects broader patterns of immigrant integration and the concentration of opportunities in major metropolitan areas.
Age and Gender Demographics in US Citizenship 2024
| Age Group | Female | Male | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33,400 | 33,000 | 66,600 | 8.1% |
| 25-29 | 42,600 | 33,300 | 76,300 | 9.3% |
| 30-34 | 55,700 | 41,000 | 97,200 | 11.9% |
| 35-39 | 59,200 | 49,600 | 109,400 | 13.4% |
| 40-44 | 52,500 | 46,000 | 98,900 | 12.1% |
| 45-49 | 42,400 | 32,400 | 79,400 | 9.7% |
| 50-54 | 40,200 | 36,600 | 72,900 | 8.9% |
| 55-59 | 37,500 | 29,100 | 66,900 | 8.2% |
| 60-64 | 29,400 | 23,400 | 53,000 | 6.5% |
| 65+ | 56,200 | 41,100 | 97,700 | 11.9% |
Age and gender demographics in US citizenship 2024 reveal fascinating patterns in naturalization trends. Women comprise 55% of all new citizens, maintaining majority status across every age group and demonstrating higher naturalization rates than men. The 30-44 age range represents the largest cohort of new Americans, with 37% of all naturalizations occurring within this demographic. This peak naturalization period coincides with prime career and family-building years, suggesting that individuals pursue citizenship when they are most established in American society.
The median age of 42 years for new citizens reflects a mature approach to naturalization, with most individuals having spent considerable time as lawful permanent residents before pursuing citizenship. Remarkably, 17% of new citizens were younger than 30 years old, indicating strong naturalization rates among younger immigrants who arrived as children or young adults. The 65 and older category represents 11.9% of naturalizations, including 23 centenarians who achieved their lifelong dream of becoming American citizens. These demographic patterns highlight the diverse pathways and timelines individuals follow in their naturalization journey.
Naturalization Test Performance in the US 2024
| Test Component | Pass Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Exam Only | 89.7% | First attempt pass rate |
| Initial + Re-exam | 94.4% | Combined pass rate with retake |
| English Test | Included | Reading, writing, speaking, understanding |
| Civics Test | Included | US history and government knowledge |
Naturalization test performance in 2024 demonstrates the effectiveness of citizenship preparation programs and the dedication of naturalization candidates. The 89.7% initial pass rate represents a strong performance indicator, showing that the vast majority of applicants successfully demonstrate English proficiency and civics knowledge on their first attempt. This high pass rate reflects both the quality of test preparation resources available to candidates and their commitment to mastering the required material for US citizenship.
The combined pass rate of 94.4% including re-examinations shows that USCIS provides appropriate opportunities for candidates to achieve success in their naturalization journey. The naturalization test requires demonstration of English language skills including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, as well as knowledge of US history and government. This comprehensive assessment ensures that new citizens possess the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for civic participation in American democracy. The high success rates validate the effectiveness of current testing standards and preparation systems supporting naturalization candidates.
Legal Representation in US Citizenship Proceedings 2024
| Age Group | Without Attorney | With Attorney | Total | Attorney Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 58,600 | 7,900 | 66,600 | 11.9% |
| 25-29 | 65,100 | 11,100 | 76,300 | 14.5% |
| 30-34 | 81,700 | 15,000 | 97,200 | 15.4% |
| 35-39 | 91,400 | 18,000 | 109,400 | 16.4% |
| 40-44 | 81,700 | 17,200 | 98,900 | 17.4% |
| 45-49 | 64,000 | 15,500 | 79,400 | 19.5% |
| 50-54 | 57,500 | 15,400 | 72,900 | 21.1% |
| 55-59 | 52,600 | 14,300 | 66,900 | 21.4% |
| 60-64 | 42,100 | 10,900 | 53,000 | 20.6% |
| 65+ | 77,600 | 20,100 | 97,700 | 20.6% |
Legal representation in US citizenship proceedings 2024 shows that 17.8% of successful naturalization candidates had attorney or accredited representative assistance through Form G-28 filings. The data reveals a clear correlation between age and legal representation rates, with older applicants more likely to seek professional assistance in their naturalization process. Over 64% of all applicants who utilized legal representation were over 40 years old, suggesting that older candidates may face more complex circumstances or prefer professional guidance for this critical life milestone.
The attorney representation rates increase progressively with age, ranging from 11.9% for the 18-24 age group to over 20% for applicants 50 and older. This pattern likely reflects various factors including language barriers, complex immigration histories, medical conditions, or simply the preference for professional assistance among more established individuals. The overall 17.8% representation rate indicates that while legal assistance can be valuable, the majority of naturalization candidates successfully navigate the process independently, supported by USCIS resources and community preparation programs.
Fee Waivers for US Citizenship Applications 2024
| Demographics | Fee Paid | Fee Waived | Total | Waiver Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 375,900 | 73,300 | 449,200 | 16.3% |
| Male | 322,600 | 43,000 | 365,600 | 11.8% |
| Age 18-24 | 53,900 | 12,600 | 66,600 | 18.9% |
| Age 25-29 | 67,400 | 8,900 | 76,300 | 11.7% |
| Age 30-34 | 87,200 | 10,000 | 97,200 | 10.3% |
| Age 35-39 | 98,900 | 10,500 | 109,400 | 9.6% |
| Age 65+ | 66,200 | 31,500 | 97,700 | 32.2% |
Fee waivers for US citizenship applications in 2024 demonstrate USCIS’s commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent qualified individuals from achieving American citizenship. 14.3% of all successful naturalization candidates (116,700 individuals) received approved fee waivers, representing a significant investment in making citizenship accessible to economically disadvantaged applicants. Women received fee waivers at higher rates (16.3%) compared to men (11.8%), reflecting broader economic patterns and household circumstances.
The age distribution of fee waiver recipients reveals important demographic patterns, with younger applicants (18-24) and senior citizens (65+) showing the highest waiver rates at 18.9% and 32.2% respectively. Senior citizens demonstrate the highest fee waiver utilization, likely due to fixed incomes and limited earning potential in retirement. The middle-age groups (30-44) show the lowest waiver rates (9.6-10.3%), corresponding to peak earning years and greater financial stability. These fee waiver statistics highlight USCIS’s recognition that economic circumstances should not prevent deserving candidates from completing their naturalization journey.
Class of Admission Pathways to US Citizenship 2024
| Immigration Category | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Relatives of US Citizens | 242,400 | 29.6% |
| Spouses of US Citizens | 149,200 | 18.2% |
| Parents of US Citizens | 60,600 | 7.4% |
| Children of US Citizens | 32,600 | 4.0% |
| Family Preferences | 154,900 | 18.9% |
| Employment Preferences | 97,000 | 11.9% |
| Refugees and Asylees | 77,000 | 9.4% |
| Diversity Visa Program | 33,000 | 4.0% |
| Unknown | 186,200 | 22.7% |
Class of admission pathways to US citizenship 2024 reveal the predominance of family-based immigration as the foundation for naturalization. Immediate relatives of US citizens constitute the largest single category at 29.6%, with spouses representing 18.2% of all new citizens. This data underscores the critical role of family reunification in American immigration policy and the naturalization process. Parents (7.4%) and children (4.0%) of US citizens complete the immediate relative category, demonstrating the multigenerational nature of immigration to the United States.
Family preferences account for an additional 18.9% of naturalizations, while employment-based preferences represent 11.9% of new citizens. Refugees and asylees comprise 9.4% of naturalizations, reflecting America’s humanitarian commitment to providing protection and ultimately citizenship to those fleeing persecution. The Diversity Visa Program contributes 4.0% of new citizens, promoting immigration from underrepresented countries. These admission pathways illustrate the diverse routes through which individuals achieve lawful permanent residence and eventually US citizenship, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of America’s immigration system.
Years as Lawful Permanent Resident Before US Citizenship 2024
| Country of Birth | Median Years as LPR |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 10.9 years |
| Philippines | 9.2 years |
| Dominican Republic | 8.8 years |
| Vietnam | 8.1 years |
| India | 7.2 years |
| China | 6.8 years |
| Cuba | 6.2 years |
| El Salvador | 6.0 years |
| Jamaica | 5.8 years |
| Nigeria | 5.4 years |
| Overall Median | 7.5 years |
Years as lawful permanent resident before achieving US citizenship in 2024 show significant variation by country of birth, with the overall median of 7.5 years exceeding the minimum five-year requirement by 2.5 years. Mexican-born citizens spent the longest time as LPRs at 10.9 years, nearly double the minimum requirement, suggesting deliberate preparation and consideration before pursuing naturalization. This extended timeline may reflect various factors including language preparation, financial readiness, family considerations, or confidence building for the naturalization process.
Nigerian-born citizens demonstrated the shortest median time as LPRs at 5.4 years, closely following the minimum eligibility requirement and indicating efficient progression through the naturalization process. Asian countries generally show moderate timelines, with India (7.2 years), China (6.8 years), and Philippines (9.2 years) falling within reasonable ranges of the minimum requirement. Caribbean and Central American countries like Jamaica (5.8 years), Cuba (6.2 years), and El Salvador (6.0 years) show relatively quick progression to citizenship, while Dominican Republic (8.8 years) and Vietnam (8.1 years) require more extended preparation periods.
Metropolitan Areas for US Citizenship 2024
| Core Based Statistical Area | New Citizens | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 118,000 | 14.4% |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 56,700 | 6.9% |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 53,400 | 6.5% |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 31,700 | 3.9% |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | 26,300 | 3.2% |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 25,400 | 3.1% |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | 25,200 | 3.1% |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 24,900 | 3.0% |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | 20,000 | 2.4% |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 18,500 | 2.3% |
Metropolitan areas for US citizenship 2024 demonstrate the concentrated nature of naturalization in major urban centers, with the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area leading at 118,000 new citizens (14.4% of national total). This tri-state region’s dominance reflects its historical role as America’s immigration gateway, diverse economy, extensive immigrant communities, and comprehensive citizenship support infrastructure. The area’s cultural diversity, employment opportunities, and established immigrant networks create ideal conditions for naturalization success.
The top ten metropolitan areas account for approximately 45% of all US naturalizations in 2024, highlighting the urban concentration of immigrant settlement and citizenship achievement. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach (56,700 citizens) and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (53,400 citizens) represent major immigration hubs serving Latino, Caribbean, and Asian communities. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (31,700 citizens) benefits from its diverse federal workforce and international community, while Houston (26,300 citizens), Chicago (25,400 citizens), and San Francisco (25,200 citizens) round out the top metropolitan areas for naturalization.
Field Office Processing for US Citizenship 2024
| USCIS Field Office | Naturalizations | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 27,000 | 3.3% |
| Dallas | 27,000 | 3.3% |
| Chicago | 27,000 | 3.3% |
| Newark | 26,200 | 3.2% |
| San Francisco | 23,700 | 2.9% |
| Los Angeles | 20,500 | 2.5% |
| Miami | 19,800 | 2.4% |
| New York | 18,200 | 2.2% |
| Atlanta | 16,400 | 2.0% |
| Seattle | 15,100 | 1.8% |
USCIS field office processing for US citizenship 2024 reveals the operational capacity and efficiency of regional naturalization centers across the country. Houston, Dallas, and Chicago field offices each processed 27,000 naturalizations (3.3% each), demonstrating remarkable consistency in processing capacity and workload distribution. These field offices serve major metropolitan areas with significant immigrant populations and have developed robust infrastructure for conducting naturalization ceremonies and application processing.
The Newark field office processed 26,200 naturalizations (3.2%), serving the New York metropolitan area and contributing significantly to the region’s leadership in US citizenship statistics. California is well-represented through the San Francisco (23,700 naturalizations) and Los Angeles (20,500 naturalizations) field offices, collectively processing over 44,200 new citizens. The geographic distribution of field office activity reflects broader immigration settlement patterns and demonstrates USCIS’s commitment to maintaining processing capacity in high-demand regions while ensuring consistent service delivery nationwide.
Conclusion: The Future of US Citizenship 2025
The comprehensive US citizenship statistics 2025 paint a picture of a dynamic and resilient naturalization system that continues to welcome hundreds of thousands of new Americans each year. With 818,500 individuals achieving US citizenship in fiscal year 2024, the United States maintains its position as the world’s premier destination for individuals seeking the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with American citizenship. The data reveals a naturalization process that accommodates diverse pathways, serves multiple age groups, and maintains high success rates while upholding rigorous standards.
Looking ahead, the trends identified in these citizenship statistics suggest continued strength in family-based immigration, growing diversity in countries of origin, and sustained demand for American citizenship across all demographic groups. The 89.7% initial pass rate for the naturalization test, combined with the 94.4% overall success rate, demonstrates that USCIS has developed effective systems for candidate preparation and assessment. As the United States continues to evolve as a nation of immigrants, these naturalization statistics serve as both a testament to America’s enduring appeal and a foundation for policy discussions about the future of US immigration and citizenship.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
