Nigeria Among Top 20 Countries Receiving U.S. Green Cards in 2022

 

Nigeria has been ranked among the top 20 countries globally that received U.S. permanent residency visas, commonly known as green cards, in 2022. According to recent data released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and reported by BusinessDay, a total of 12,385 Nigerians were granted permanent residency status to migrate to the United States during this period.

Key Highlights from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Data

The data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reveals significant insights into the global distribution of U.S. permanent residency visas in 2022. The report highlights that a total of 1,018,349 immigrants from around the world received their green cards last year. Out of this number, 82,117 green cards were issued to nationals from African countries, including Nigeria.

Nigeria's strong presence on the list underscores the increasing interest among Nigerians in relocating to the United States. This trend has been further fueled by various factors, including educational and economic opportunities, political stability, and the prospect of a better quality of life.

Nigeria's Position Compared to Other Leading Countries

While Nigeria ranks among the top 20 countries for receiving U.S. green cards, Mexico and India continue to lead as the top sources of new permanent residents in the United States. Together, Mexico and India accounted for a combined total of 265,784 individuals, representing approximately 26% of all new permanent residents in 2022. This makes these two countries the primary contributors to U.S. immigration.

Breakdown of U.S. Permanent Residency Visas Issued to Nigerians

The data further breaks down the different categories through which Nigerians received their U.S. green cards in 2022:

·         Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: 7,529 Nigerians were granted green cards as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. This category includes spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens, who are eligible for expedited processing and are not subject to annual quotas.

·         Family-Sponsored Preferences: 818 Nigerians obtained their green cards through family-sponsored preferences. This category is for other relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, such as siblings and married children, and is subject to annual numerical limits.

·         Employment-Based Preferences: 3,213 Nigerians received green cards through employment-based preferences, which are allocated to foreign nationals who have been offered jobs by U.S. employers. These visas are also subject to annual quotas and are distributed across several categories based on skills, experience, and job offer criteria.

·         Diversity Programs: Only 14 Nigerians were granted green cards through the Diversity Visa Lottery, a program that aims to promote immigration from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.

·         Refugees and Asylees: 797 Nigerians were admitted as refugees and asylees. This category includes individuals who have fled persecution in their home countries and have been granted protection in the United States.

·         Other Broad Classes of Admission: 14 Nigerians were granted green cards under other broad classes of admission.

Rise in Asylum Grants and Naturalization

The data also shows a notable increase in the number of Nigerians granted asylum in the United States. In 2022, 259 Nigerians were affirmatively granted asylum, a significant rise from the 61 individuals who were granted asylum in 2013. This reflects a growing recognition of the challenges some Nigerians face in their home country, leading them to seek refuge abroad.

In terms of naturalization, there has been a steady increase in the number of Nigerians becoming U.S. citizens. In 2013, 9,545 Nigerians were naturalized, and this number grew to 14,438 by 2022. The trend highlights the growing commitment of Nigerian immigrants to establishing long-term residency and integrating into American society.

U.S. Department of State Announcement on Employment-Based Visas

In a related development, the U.S. Department of State announced on Thursday that all visas in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 have been issued. The EB-4 category is designated for certain special immigrants, including religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, and certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts abroad.

“The State Department, working in close collaboration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, is pleased to announce the issuance of all available visas in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category for fiscal year (FY) 2024,” the announcement stated.

Growing Emigration Trend Among Nigerians: The 'Japa Syndrome'

The surge in the number of Nigerians seeking to emigrate, particularly among the youth, has become widely known as the 'Japa syndrome'—a term derived from a Yoruba word meaning "to flee" or "to escape." This phenomenon reflects the increasing desire among Nigerians to seek better opportunities and living conditions abroad.

Beyond the United States, the population of Nigerians in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Austria has also seen a significant increase over the past four years. This trend is supported by various reports and data highlighting the growing wave of emigration from Nigeria.

Conclusion

Nigeria's position among the top 20 countries receiving U.S. green cards in 2022 underscores the significant interest among Nigerians in pursuing opportunities in the United States. With various pathways for immigration, including family reunification, employment opportunities, and humanitarian protection, Nigerians continue to contribute to the diverse tapestry of immigrants in the U.S.

Stay tuned to Naija Newshawk for the latest updates on immigration trends, policies, and data impacting Nigerians and other global communities.