One in ten U.S. voters is now a naturalized citizen, according to recent data.
As the federal government accelerates the processing of citizenship applications, the number of naturalized citizens has surged at an unprecedented rate. Experts predict that the voting power of these individuals, who were born abroad but obtained U.S. citizenship and voting rights, will play a crucial role in the upcoming presidential election.
According to a Pew Research Center report released on September 22, there were approximately 23.8 million naturalized citizens eligible to vote as of 2022, representing 9.9% of the nation’s electorate—a record high.
The number of adult naturalized citizens has steadily increased in recent years. In 2012, the figure stood at around 18 million, but by 2022, it had risen by 32% to 23.8 million. In comparison, the U.S.-born adult population grew by just 8%, from 202 million to 217 million, over the same period, highlighting the significant rise in naturalized citizens.
Among naturalized voters, 73% have lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years, while about 20% have resided in the country for 11 to 20 years. Only 8% of naturalized citizens with voting rights have lived in the U.S. for less than a decade.
California hosts the largest population of naturalized citizens, with around 5.6 million. Other states with significant numbers include Florida and New York, each with approximately 2.7 million. In California, naturalized citizens make up 21% of the electorate, while states like New Jersey (19%), New York (19%), and Florida (17%) also have high proportions of naturalized voters.
In battleground states, the percentage of naturalized voters varies widely. Nevada (14%) and Arizona (9%) have relatively high proportions of naturalized voters, while Georgia (7%), Pennsylvania (5%), Michigan (5%), and Wisconsin (3%) have lower percentages.
Mexican-born citizens make up the largest share of naturalized voters at 15%, followed by citizens originally from India (8%), China (7%), the Philippines (6%), and Vietnam (4%). Hispanic and Asian American voters have experienced particularly rapid growth, with Hispanics accounting for 34% and Asians for 31% of all naturalized voters in 2022. Compared to U.S.-born voters, naturalized citizens tend to be older, with higher levels of education and income.
BY EUNBYUL KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.eb@koreadailyny.com]
