US Homeland Security: Nigerians Received Most Green Cards in Africa Last Year

Nigeria Leads Africa in US Green Card Awards for 2023

“About 64 percent were granted LPR status based on a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or current LPR...”

2023 report reveals 52% of new US green card holders already resided in the country.

Nigerians took the top spot as the leading recipients of U.S. green cards in Africa in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This means that many Nigerians were granted permanent residency in the United States, allowing them to live and work in the country.

To put this into perspective, a total of 1,173,000 individuals received green cards in 2023, as reported by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics in September.

What is a Green Card?

A green card, also known as a lawful permanent resident (LPR), is granted to foreign nationals who have been permitted permanent residency in the United States.

Path to U.S. Citizenship

As a green card holder, Nigerians and other LPRs can apply for U.S. citizenship once they meet specific eligibility criteria.

Diversity Visa Program

Interestingly, the U.S. Department of State's Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. This program aims to diversify the U.S. population by providing opportunities for individuals from underrepresented countries.

Over half (52%) of new lawful permanent residents were already living in the US when granted green cards.

“About 64 percent were granted LPR status based on a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or current LPR,” the report stated.

The top countries of origin for new lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the US were Mexico, Cuba, and India. These countries had the highest number of citizens obtaining green cards, marking a significant milestone in their journey to become US citizens.

Africa accounted for a substantial share of new green card holders, with 418,930 individuals, representing 35.7% of the total. Notably, Nigeria ranked 15th among the top 20 countries with the most green card recipients and was the only African nation to make the list.

The average age of new LPRs was 35 years, indicating that many individuals obtaining permanent residency are in their prime working years. This demographic trend can have significant implications for the US workforce and economy.

“New LPR's who were 65 years of age and older increased 62 percent from 2022,” the report added.

In 2023, females outnumbered males in receiving green cards, making up the majority of new lawful permanent residents. Additionally, married individuals accounted for the largest share of green card recipients based on marital status.

According to the US Census Bureau, Black or African Americans comprise 13.7% of the US population. This demographic is reflected in the green card data, where Africans accounted for 35.7% (418,930) of new lawful permanent residents.

 

Below are some Related Statistics:

• Total green card recipients: 1,173,000
• Female recipients: 52% (608,810)
• Married recipients: 44% (515,110)
• African-born recipients: 35.7% (418,930)