Nigerians Rank Fourth in U.S. Military Naturalization Between 2020-2024

Nigerians rank fourth in U.S. military naturalization, with 3,270 gaining citizenship from 2020 to 2024. The majority came from the Army. Naturalizations increased steadily, emphasizing demographic trends related to age and gender.

Nigerians have secured a notable position in U.S. military naturalization, ranking fourth among various nations whose citizens were granted U.S. green cards between 2020 and 2024. During this timeframe, over 52,000 military personnel obtained U.S. citizenship, with 3,270 Nigerian-born service members making the leap. This figure ranks them behind the Philippines, Jamaica, and Mexico. Additionally, these five countries, together with Ghana, account for over 38% of all military naturalizations recorded within this period.

The data provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services highlights a consistent increase in the number of Nigerian service members gaining citizenship. The figures escalated from 340 in 2020 to 930 in 2024. The bulk of military naturalizations was chiefly attributed to the Army, which comprised 60% of the total, followed by Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps contributions.

In terms of demographics, half of the newly naturalized service members were aged between 22 and 30, and the median age stood at 27. Gender representation showed that 73% of those naturalized were men, indicating a slight year-on-year increase in the number of female service members. These statistics underline the vital role that Nigerian service members play in the U.S. military naturalization landscape over these recent years.

The naturalization of military service members has been a crucial pathway for many foreign nationals to gain U.S. citizenship. The trend observed in the data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services captures the significant contributions of service members from various nations, including Nigeria. This naturalization process is particularly important as it reflects the commitment and sacrifices made by these individuals in serving the U.S. Armed Forces, and the rankings reveal the prominence of specific populations in this context. Understanding which countries are represented in U.S. military naturalizations provides insights into immigration patterns and the diversity within the military. It also highlights the integration opportunities for service members seeking to build their futures in the United States through citizenship.

In conclusion, the ranking of Nigerians as the fourth-largest group of service members obtaining U.S. citizenship through military naturalization signifies a growing trend of integration and commitment within the U.S. Armed Forces. With a notable increase in the number of naturalizations from Nigeria over the past five years, it also underscores the demographic dynamics of military service members and the role they play in enriching American society. This development is indicative of broader immigration trends and the importance of service in the pursuit of citizenship.

Original Source: dailypost.ng