US still a preferred destination for Indians

Mumbai: The US department of homeland security (DHS) has released data according to which nearly 46100 Indian citizens obtained US citizenship in 2016. Mexicans tops the list, though their numbers have been decreasing gradually after US President Trump announced anti-immigration policies.

The year 2016 saw an increase of 24% with a total of 9.72 lakh applications applied for US citizenship. In 2015, 7.83 lakh applications were filed.

John C Yang, president of the non-profit body Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, says that “Indians… more than ever recognise the value of citizenship. A citizen has certain rights and protections — a fundamental right being that to vote… additional job opportunities. Given the anti-immigrant rhetoric, immigrants are more aware of the need to be protected.”