2010 naturalizations down from 2009

By Elizabeth Aguilera

Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 5:43 p.m.

Total naturalizations in 2010 decreased 17 percent over the previous year, with the total percentage of the Mexican-born naturalizations decreasing and those among India-born individuals increasing since 2009, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Naturalizations among the Mexico-born decreased 40 percent compared to 2009 and fell 70 percent compared to 2008. Among the Indian-born naturalizations increased 16 percent compared to 2009.

Mexico-born individuals still account for the largest share of those who naturalize at 10.8 percent, those from India are a close second, accounting for 9.9 percent.

Other top five origin countries for the newest citizens through naturalization include Phillippines, China and Vietnam. Altogether the five countries account for more than one-third of the 619,913 naturalizations last year.

California, New York and Florida are home to the largest number of those naturalized in 2010.

Naturalization requires applicants to meet various requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The applicant must be a lawful permanent resident, must have lived in the country for at least five years, and be able to speak, read and write English, understand U.S. history and be of good moral character, according to the agency.

Other provisions allow for spouses and children of U.S. citizens, military members and those adopted by U.S. citizens.

2010 highlights:

Total naturalizations - 619,913

Mexico-born naturalizations : 67,062 (10.8%)

India-born - 61,142 (9.9%)

Philippines- born -35,465 (5.7%)

China- born - 33,969 (5.5%)

Vietnam- born - 19,313 (3.1%)

Columbia-born - 18,417 (3%)

Dominican Republic-born - 15,451 (2.5%)

Cuba-born - 14,050 (2.3%)

Haiti-born - 12,291 (2%)

Jamaica-born - 12,070 (1.9%)

Pakistan-born - 11,601 (1.9%)

South Korea-born - 11,170 (1.8%)

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