Indians second-highest recipients of US citizenship after Mexico
Latest figures released by the US Department of Homeland Security reveal that 46,100 Indians were awarded US citizenship in 2016 (October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016). Out of 7.53 lakh citizenships awarded, Indians accounted for 6%. Remarkably, Indians came second after Mexicans, in securing US citizenship. What else did the figures reveal? Read on to know.
Fewer Mexicans getting US citizenship
Immigration from Mexico reportedly shows negative growth with an overall decline in the number of citizenship granted. Extreme vetting and denial of applications on odd grounds could be the reason behind fewer Mexicans being granted US citizenship.
What do the numbers reveal?
The figures were released by the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year 2016 (October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016). Authorities received 9.72 lakh applications during this period, a 24% hike from 2014-2015. US citizenship was awarded to 7.53 lakh applicants after extreme vetting procedures. While the most number of citizenship were awarded to Mexicans, Indians came second, securing 6% of all citizenship awarded.
How could US citizenship make things better for Indians?
"Indians... more than ever recognize the value of citizenship. A citizen has certain rights and protections... Given the anti-immigrant rhetoric, immigrants are more aware of the need to be protected," states John C Yang, President of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a non-profit collective.
