The United States has granted citizenship to thousands of military service members, including a significant number of Nigerians, over the past five years. Between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria ranked fourth among countries whose citizens were naturalized through U.S. military service.
During this period, more than 52,000 military personnel from various countries became U.S. citizens. According to data released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 3,270 Nigerian-born military members received U.S. citizenship. They trailed behind service members born in the Philippines (5,630), Jamaica (5,420), and Mexico (3,670).
The report also noted, “Service members from the Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, and Ghana made up over 38% of military naturalizations since FY 2020. Haiti, China, Cameroon, Vietnam, and South Korea accounted for an additional 16% during the same period.”
The number of Nigerian military members gaining U.S. citizenship has steadily grown over the years. In 2020, 340 Nigerians were naturalized. This figure increased to 630 in 2021, 680 in 2022, 690 in 2023, and peaked at 930 in 2024. This upward trend reflects the rising participation of Nigerians in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Breakdown by Military Branches
The Army played the largest role in these naturalizations, accounting for 60% of all military citizenship grants between 2020 and 2024. The Navy followed with 20.4%, while the Air Force and Marine Corps contributed 10.6% and 6.6%, respectively. The Coast Guard, on the other hand, represented less than 1% of naturalized service members.
The report stated, “Nearly two-thirds of military naturalizations during this period involved Army personnel, including those in the National Guard and Reserves. The Navy accounted for a fifth of the total, while the Air Force and Marine Corps contributed smaller shares.”
Age Distribution of Naturalized Members
Age data revealed that most naturalized service members were young adults. About 50% were between 22 and 30 years old at the time of naturalization, with a median age of 27 years. Additionally, 17% were aged 21 or younger, while nearly 5% were above the age of 40.
The report highlighted, “The majority of service members who gained U.S. citizenship were in their twenties, showing the youthful composition of military personnel who naturalize.”
Gender Representation
Men dominated the naturalization figures, comprising 73% of all military members granted U.S. citizenship from 2020 to 2024. However, the proportion of female service members obtaining citizenship showed a gradual increase over the years.
“Although men accounted for the majority, there has been a slight rise in the number of women military members naturalizing during this period,” the analysis noted.
Significance of Military Naturalization
The U.S. military offers an expedited pathway to citizenship for non-citizen service members. This process recognizes their dedication and service to the nation. Military naturalization also strengthens the Armed Forces by attracting recruits from diverse backgrounds.
Nigerian-born service members have significantly contributed to this trend, reflecting their commitment to serving in the U.S. military. By participating in various branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, they have played key roles in supporting the United States’ defense missions.
Key Takeaways
1. Nigerians Rank High in Military Naturalizations: Nigeria secured the fourth spot among countries with the highest military naturalizations in the U.S. between 2020 and 2024.
2. Steady Growth in Numbers: The number of Nigerian-born service members gaining U.S. citizenship increased each year, reaching a peak in 2024.
3. Army Leads Naturalizations: Most naturalized members served in the Army, while smaller percentages came from the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
4. Young Adults Dominate: Half of the naturalized service members were aged 22–30, with a median age of 27.
5. Male Representation Remains High: Men formed the majority of naturalized military personnel, although the share of women slightly rose.
Conclusion
Military naturalization continues to serve as a vital opportunity for non-citizens to gain U.S. citizenship while contributing to the country’s security. The involvement of Nigerian-born service members underscores their dedication and the significant role they play in the U.S. Armed Forces.
