Nigerians ranked fourth for U.S. green cards through military naturalization from 2020 to 2024, with 3,270 service members naturalized, trailing only the Philippines, Jamaica, and Mexico. The Army constituted the majority of naturalizations, and the data noted an increase in numbers over the five-year span, with demographic details highlighting the age and gender distribution of the service members.
Between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria emerged as the fourth highest-ranking nation for citizens awarded U.S. green cards through military naturalization, as per the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. A total of 3,270 Nigerian service members acquired U.S. citizenship during this period, following the Philippines, Jamaica, and Mexico, which recorded 5,630, 5,420, and 3,670 respectively. Overall, more than 52,000 military personnel from various countries were naturalized, with leaders in the top five countries comprising over 38% of the total naturalizations.
The steady growth in the number of Nigerian service members obtaining citizenship is notable; it began with 340 in 2020 and increased annually to reach 930 in 2024. The Army represented the majority of military naturalizations, accounting for 60%, with others distributed among the Navy (20.4%), Air Force (10.6%), and Marine Corps (6.6%). The analysis also revealed that the age demographic of most naturalized individuals ranged from 22 to 30 years, with a median age of 27, while gender distribution showed that 73% of naturalized members were male.
This uplifting trend reflects the commitment and contributions of Nigerian-born service members in the U.S. military, illustrating their integration and the value attributed to their service. As the number of citizens granted naturalization through military service continues to rise, it underscores the significant role these individuals play in not only the military but also in fostering relations between the United States and Nigeria.
Military naturalization is a pathway through which foreign service members can obtain U.S. citizenship, emphasizing their dedication and service to the United States. This process not only honors the contributions of military personnel but also serves as a bridge enhancing the relationship between the U.S. and the countries of these service members. The trends reported in naturalizations across different nationalities reflect broader immigration patterns and the diverse makeup of the U.S. military, which increasingly includes members from various countries, notably Nigeria. By analyzing data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, insights are gained into not only the sheer numbers of naturalizations but also the demographic specifics, such as age and gender, which help to inform policies and initiatives supporting immigrant service members. The growth in naturalizations points to a commitment on the part of the military to integrate these individuals within the framework of American citizenship.
In summary, the rise in Nigerian military service members obtaining U.S. citizenship highlights significant trends in military naturalization practices from 2020 to 2024. Not only does it reflect the increasing integration of diverse nationalities into the fabric of the U.S. armed forces, but it also emphasizes the contributions these individuals make to the military community. The continued growth of these naturalization figures underscores the importance of recognizing military service as an invaluable pathway to citizenship for many dedicated individuals around the world.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
