- Over 3,270 Nigerians naturalized as US citizens from 2020-2024.
- Nigeria ranks 4th among nations with citizens gaining US citizenship via military service.
- The US Army is the most popular branch among Nigerian service members.
- Most Nigerian service members naturalized are between 22 and 30 years old.
A Growing Trend: Nigerians in the US Military
Recent data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reveals a significant number of Nigerian-born individuals have become US citizens through military service. Between 2020 and 2024, over 3,270 Nigerians joined the ranks of naturalized American citizens. This makes Nigeria the fourth highest contributor, following the Philippines, Jamaica, and Mexico. What’s driving this trend? While the data doesn’t offer specific reasons, potential factors include the desire for better opportunities, educational benefits associated with military service, and a chance at a more stable future. The data also highlighted the overall surge in military naturalizations, with over 52,000 service members from various countries becoming US citizens during the same period. This reflects the US military’s continued reliance on foreign-born personnel.
Which Branch is Most Popular?
The Army is the preferred branch for Nigerians seeking US citizenship via military service, accounting for 60% of naturalizations within this group. This is followed by the Navy (20.4%), the Air Force (10.6%), and the Marine Corps (6.6%). The Coast Guard has the smallest representation, with less than 1%. This breakdown mirrors the overall distribution across all military branches.
Who Are These New Citizens?
The typical profile of a Nigerian gaining US citizenship through military service is a young man between 22 and 30 years old. Men account for a larger portion, around 73%, of all Nigerians gaining citizenship through this route. The median age is 27, meaning half of these new citizens are younger than 27, and half are older. While a significant number are under 30, about 5% are older than 40, showcasing the wide age range within this group.
The Road to Citizenship: What Does It Take?
Gaining US citizenship through military service isn’t automatic. It’s a process with specific eligibility criteria. Foreign-born individuals must first lawfully enlist in the US armed forces. They typically need a green card (permanent resident status) to do so. After serving for a specified period (usually at least one year), they become eligible to apply for naturalization. The process includes background checks, interviews, and a civics test, just like any other naturalization process.
Impact and Future Outlook
The rising number of Nigerians becoming US citizens through military service speaks to larger global trends around migration and opportunity. It also highlights the continued importance of foreign-born individuals in the US military. As this trend continues, it will be interesting to observe its long-term impact, both on the US and on Nigeria. Will these new American citizens maintain ties to their homeland, contribute to its development, or focus solely on their new lives in the States?
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