42K Filipinos became U.S. citizens in 2011, up 20 percent

Filipinos were the third largest immigrant group to acquire U.S. citizenship by naturalization in 2011, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A total of 42,520 Filipinos were naturalized last year, representing a 20 percent increase from a year ago. Mexico and India were the top two countries of birth of new U.S. citizens, says the DHS report made available to the media by the Philippine Forum nonprofit organization.

The report also indicated that the third largest number of persons who naturalized lived in New York.

“For many Filipinos here, becoming a U.S. citizen is the ultimate goal,” immigration lawyer Cristina Godinez said.

In response, Café Migrante has scheduled a discussion on the requirements and procedure for applying for naturalization.

The forum, “How do I become a U.S. citizen?,” will be held April 29, Sunday, at 2 p.m., at the Bayanihan Community Center in Woodside, Queens.

Godinez, who has helped hundreds of immigrants with visa, green card and citizenship applications for the past 10 years, will discuss the requirements and necessary to acquire a U.S. citizenship.

The Bayanihan Community Center is located at 40-21 69th St., Woodside, Queens. To get to the Bayanihan Community Center, take the 7 Train and get off at 69th St. and Fisk Avenue stop along Roosevelt Avenue.

For more information, please call Melanie Dulfo of the Philippine Forum at 718-565-8862 or email at mdulfo@philippineforum.org.

Table 1.

New U.S. Citizens, 2011
Total 694,193
Mexico 94,783
India 45,985
Philippines 42,520

Source: DHS Office of Immigration Statistics