Lakhs of Indians Renounced Indian Citizenship in Last 3 Years; Most Became U.S. Citizens

Amidst distressing reports about Indian students' deaths in the United States and concerns about safety among Indian students studying at US universities, a recent report released by UCIS sheds light on the number of Indians who embraced US citizenship in 2023. It appears that amidst the shadows of tragedy, there's an effort to mitigate the damage caused by previous incidents.

In a recent report by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS), it was revealed that a significant number of Indians embraced American citizenship last year. A staggering 59,100 Indians proudly became U.S. citizens, marking a notable contribution to the diverse tapestry of the nation.

Surprisingly, Mexico led the chart as the primary source of new American citizens, with over 1.1 lakh Mexicans obtaining U.S. citizenship in the same period, constituting approximately 12.7 percent of the total. The Philippines followed suit, contributing 5 percent with 44,800 Filipinos joining the ranks of American citizens. Together, the Dominican Republic and Cuba accounted for an impressive 32 percent of new U.S. citizens in 2023.

In the preceding year, a total of 9.63 lakh individuals were naturalized as new American citizens. For the current fiscal year, 13.3 percent of new citizens hailed from Mexico, while Indians constituted 6.8 percent, securing the second position. The Philippines held the third spot once again, with 5.5 percent of citizens.

Becoming a U.S. citizen involves fulfilling eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act. A person must be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years before being considered for citizenship. The report highlighted that 6.7 percent of the new U.S. citizens inducted last year were Indians.

Meanwhile, it's noteworthy that a significant number of Indians have renounced their Indian citizenship in recent years. The figures stand at 85,256 in 2020, 1,63,370 in 2021, 2,25,620 in 2022, and 87,026 until June 2023. This trend reflects the increasing global mobility of Indian nationals seeking opportunities beyond borders.

Over the past two decades, a growing number of Indians have explored opportunities in the global workplace, leading some to opt for foreign citizenship due to personal convenience. The Indian government is well aware of this trend and has undertaken various initiatives, centered around 'Make in India,' to harness the talents of the diaspora for national development.

The government's efforts align with the recognition that the Indian community abroad is an asset to the nation. Initiatives aim to tap into diaspora networks, promoting exchanges of knowledge and expertise that contribute to India's progress in the contemporary knowledge economy. The government's approach focuses on leveraging the successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora for the nation's advantage.

In this context, it's vital to note that the number of Indian citizens exploring global opportunities has steadily increased. The government's commitment to 'Make in India,' coupled with support for skills and startups, reflects a comprehensive strategy to retain and utilize Indian talents within the country.

Country where Indians Renounced citizenship in large numbers

Source: MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

As the Indian diaspora continues to make a mark globally, the government's transformative engagement emphasizes the importance of tapping into this resource for national gain. A successful and influential diaspora is indeed an advantage for India, contributing to the nation's growth on the global stage.