Washington: Independence Day celebrations in US always include programmes to welcome new citizens by holding naturalization ceremonies. During the week of July 1-8, this year more than 6,600 new citizens will be sworn-in. The United States has welcomed 661,500 new citizens as of June 15 in the fiscal year 2022, with India the second largest country of birth for naturalized American citizens in the first quarter after Mexico (24,508).
As per the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) data, 34% of these consisted of persons from the top five countries, Mexico on top, following India (12,928), Philippines (11,316), Cuba (10,689) and the Dominican Republic (7,046). Ur Jaddou, director of USCIS, said “throughout our nation’s history, the promise of both life and liberty, and the freedom to purse happiness, is what has drawn millions from across the globe to call America their home.” She added that “there is nothing more patriotic than making the choice to be an American”.
