Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization — the American dream for many — recently became a reality for 70 candidates from 29 different countries. 

What made this particular naturalization ceremony unique was that it was performed for the first time ever outside the majestic lighthouse at Fire Island National Seashore on Sept. 11, in honor of Fire Island National Seashore’s 60th Anniversary.   

Approximately 878,500 immigrants became U.S. citizens in fiscal year 2023, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an independent, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through research and analysis. This number reflects a 9% decline from fiscal year 2022 (969,400), which was the highest figure in more than a decade.  

The naturalization ceremony also included participation by 15 judges of the Eastern District of New York, the superintendent of Fire Island National Seashore, and members of local communities — the Patchogue-Medford High School Choir, students from Woodhull Elementary School and representatives from six local fire departments.

“You are now an American”

Hon. Joseph F. Bianco, U.S. Circuit Judge at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, served as the event’s keynote speaker. 

“What a great place to have a special event like this,” Bianco said, pointing out that naturalization ceremonies are typically conducted in courtrooms with little to no fanfare. 

“This is the most inspirational part of being a judge,” Bianco said. “People have waited years and years for this day to come, and you’ll see it in their eyes when they are told, ‘You are now an American.’ You see the smiles and the tears of joy. It’s so inspiring — it’s something you never forget. Today, we have people here from virtually every corner of the world.”  

Bianco explained that 23 years after 9/11, “This country continues in this symbolic way to be the country of freedom, opportunity and peace. To be able to naturalize citizens on this day is a great testament to the perseverance and promise of our nation.”

Hon. James M. Wicks, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York, added that the naturalization ceremony, to him, is always a special event.

“It is special for us as judges and as a country,” Wicks said. “We are gaining new citizens, and this event is particularly historic.” 

Don’t sleep on Brooklyn

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the country’s naturalization and immigration system, more than 7.7 million naturalized citizens were brought in during the last decade. 

Among the top five countries of birth for people naturalizing in fiscal year 2023, Mexico was the leading country, with 12.7% of all naturalizations, followed by India (6.7%), the Philippines (5.1%), the Dominican Republic (4.0%) and Cuba (3.8%). The top five countries of birth comprised 32% of the naturalized citizens in fiscal year 2023.

Of all citizens naturalized that year, 70% resided in 10 states (in descending order): California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia. More than 50% resided in the top four states. 

The top five cities (including boroughs) where people who naturalized resided were (in descending order): Brooklyn, Miami, Houston, the Bronx and Los Angeles.