Nigeria has been ranked 15th among countries receiving United States green cards in 2023, making it the only African nation in the top 20 list. Mexico topped the list, followed by countries such as Cuba and India.
This information was revealed in data from the Department of Homeland Security in the United States. A green card, also known as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) card, allows non-citizens to live permanently in the U.S. and apply for citizenship upon meeting additional eligibility criteria.
According to the 2023 lawful permanent residents annual flow report, published by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics (OHSS) in September, approximately 1,172,910 individuals received permanent resident status. The report indicated that about 64 percent of these green cards were granted through family sponsorship.
While the majority of LPRs came from Mexico, Cuba, and India, the report noted that African nationals accounted for 9% of new green card holders, totaling 105,520 individuals.
Here are the top 20 countries with the most U.S. green card recipients in 2023:
- Mexico
- Cuba
- India
- Dominican Republic
- China (People’s Republic)
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Afghanistan
- Brazil
- El Salvador
- Colombia
- Jamaica
- Bangladesh
- Venezuela
- Nigeria
- Korea (South)
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Peru