Nigeria ranks fourth among nations whose citizens were granted U.S. green cards through military naturalization from 2020 to 2024, with 3,270 Nigerian service members obtaining U.S. citizenship. The Army led with 60% of such naturalizations, and there has been a consistent increase in the citizenship rate among Nigerian service members over the years. The majority of these individuals are young, predominantly male, reflecting the demographics of military service.
Nigeria is ranked fourth in the number of citizens granted U.S. green cards through military naturalization from 2020 to 2024. During this period, the U.S. naturalized over 52,000 military personnel from various countries, with 3,270 Nigerian-born service members receiving citizenship. The leading countries in this regard were the Philippines, Jamaica, and Mexico. Collectively, these nations contributed significantly to military naturalization, accounting for over 38% of the total since 2020.
The data, sourced from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, indicates a steady increase in the number of Nigerian service members achieving U.S. citizenship over five years. The figures grew from 340 in 2020 to a projected 930 in 2024. Notably, the Army represented the majority, comprising 60% of military naturalizations, followed by the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. While less than 1% were from the Coast Guard, it is essential to recognize the varied contributions of each military branch.
Age demographics reveal that approximately half of the naturalized service members were aged between 22 and 30 years, with a median age of 27. Gender distribution shows that 73% of those naturalized were men, although the representation of female service members has seen a gradual increase. This trend underscores the evolving dynamics within military service and citizenship processes.
The topic of military naturalization is significant in the context of U.S. immigration policy and service member citizenship. Military members often have unique pathways to citizenship, and their service can expedite the naturalization process. The data regarding Nigeria’s contributions highlights the global nature of military service and the diversity within the U.S. armed forces. Understanding the demographics of naturalized service members provides insight into the trends and patterns emerging from the interplay of military service and immigration policies.
In conclusion, the ranking of Nigeria as the fourth leading country for U.S. military naturalizations underscores a broader trend of increasing citizenship among foreign-born service members. With a clear progression in the numbers over the past years, this trend reflects not only the contributions of Nigerian service personnel but also highlights the United States’ commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by those who serve in its armed forces. The data pertaining to age and gender demographics further illuminates the evolving composition of military personnel who transition to U.S. citizenship.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
