Top 10 Nationalities of Immigrants Gaining US Citizenship

According to recent data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), approximately 350,200 refugees and asylees have become naturalized between fiscal years 2021 and 2023, making them eligible to vote in the 2024 presidential election. In total, around 2.66 million refugees and asylees were naturalized during this period.

The naturalization of these immigrants, immigration could significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, particularly in key swing states. As the number of eligible immigrant voters continues to rise, it may shift the political landscape and influence the direction of the country.

The refugee totals for the past three fiscal years are: 82,500 in 2021, 103,000 in 2022, and 29,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, the asylee totals are: 30,500 in 2021, 34,000 in 2022, and 71,100 in 2023.

The naturalization of these immigrants could significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, particularly in key swing states. David Abraham, a law professor at the University of Miami, notes, "The widespread assumption that newly eligible immigrants will largely vote for Democrats seems mistaken... Many Latin Americans will continue their preferences for strongmen and anti-left politics, while many Asians will be acculturated into communities favoring the Democrats."

The number of immigrants eligible to vote has risen by 93% between 2000 and 2020, while the U.S.-born eligible voter population has only grown by 18% during the same period. In 2000, the foreign-born eligible voting population totaled around 12 million, but nearly doubled to around 23.2 million by 2020.

Why this matters: According to a January 2024 report by the American Immigration Council, the top nationalities of naturalized citizens are: Mexico (2.2 million), India (578,700), China (424,800), El Salvador (229,400), and Cuba (216,000).

Florida has the highest naturalization rate in the country at roughly 82.7%. California saw 154,900 new citizens become naturalized in the last fiscal year, increasing the state's total of naturalized citizens to over 500,000 over the past three years. Other states with high numbers of naturalized citizens include Texas, New York, and New Jersey.

The significant influx of naturalized citizens, particularly from Mexico, India, China, El Salvador, and Cuba, is poised to shape the political landscape in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. With key swing states like Florida experiencing high naturalization rates, the voting preferences of these newly minted Americans could prove decisive in determining the next occupant of the White House.

Key Takeaways

• 350,200 refugees and asylees became naturalized between FY 2021-2023, making them eligible to vote in 2024.
• 2.66 million refugees and asylees were naturalized between FY 2021-2023, a 93% increase since 2000.
• Top nationalities of naturalized citizens: Mexico, India, China, El Salvador, and Cuba.
• Florida has the highest naturalization rate at 82.7%, followed by California, Texas, New York, and New Jersey.
• Newly naturalized citizens could significantly impact the 2024 presidential election, particularly in key swing states.