The process for applying for U.S. citizenship has seen a significant reduction in wait times, offering a welcome relief for the immigrant community, especially for Cuban residents in the United States. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the average time to complete the naturalization process has decreased to seven months, marking the fastest period in the last decade.
Univisión Noticias reported that the procedures to grant U.S. citizenship previously took between 18 and 24 months, causing considerable stress for immigrants seeking legal status in the country. This reduction in wait times is particularly significant for the Cuban community in the United States, which has shown a strong inclination towards naturalization.
According to a report on U.S. Naturalization Policy, updated in April 2024, Cuba ranks as the seventh nationality with the highest number of residents in the country, totaling 1,314,330 individuals. Of this total, 64% have already obtained citizenship, while approximately 30%, or about 390,000 people, could achieve it soon.
In the fiscal year 2022, it is estimated that 46,913 Cubans obtained citizenship, making them the fourth nationality with the most naturalizations. This trend continued in 2023, with over 33,000 Cubans becoming U.S. citizens, highlighting the importance of this community in the U.S. immigration landscape.
Key Insights on Reduced Wait Times for U.S. Citizenship
The reduction in wait times for U.S. citizenship has various implications for immigrants, particularly for the Cuban community in the United States. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the updated naturalization process.
What is the new average wait time for U.S. citizenship?
The new average wait time for U.S. citizenship is approximately seven months.
How long did the naturalization process take before the reduction?
Previously, the naturalization process took between 18 and 24 months.
Why is the reduction in wait times significant for the Cuban community?
The reduction is significant because a large number of Cuban residents in the U.S. are seeking naturalization, and shorter wait times ease the stress associated with the process.
How many Cubans obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022 and 2023?
In 2022, 46,913 Cubans obtained citizenship, and over 33,000 did so in 2023.