USCIS ISSUES CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION FACTS – FACT SHEET

• According to a recent Pew Hispanic Center report, 11.3 million naturalized citizens live in the United States.

• Nearly eight million immigrants living in the United States are eligible for naturalization.

• During FY2004, USCIS welcomed more than 537,000 new citizens.

• Nearly 70% of all new citizens naturalized during FY2004 call California, New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois, or New Jersey home.

• 54% of all new citizens naturalized during FY2004 were women.

• Asia is the leading continent of birth among persons naturalizing. 42% percent of new citizens naturalized during FY2004 were born in Asia.

• Mexico was the leading country of birth among persons who naturalized in FY2004. More than 63,000 Mexicans became U.S. citizens in FY2004.

• Since September 11, 2001, USCIS has naturalized 24,745 military service members.

• There are approximately 40,000 immigrant military service members serving around the world. During FY2005, USCIS naturalized 8,504 military service members. A total of 7,498 service members were naturalized stateside and a total of 1,006 service members were naturalized overseas. USCIS is currently processing an additional 3,472 military naturalization applications for FY2006.

• Since September 11, 2001, USCIS has granted posthumous citizenship to 69 military service members. 65 served in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, four served during previous conflicts in Vietnam and World War II.

• USCIS’ Office of Citizenship recently introduced a New Immigrant Orientation Guide, Civics Flash Cards and other free tools to help applicants prepare for citizenship. These materials are available at http://uscis.gov/graphics/citizenship