3,270 Nigerians Gain American Citizenship through Military Service
Written by Olakunle Oke on December 10, 2024
A significant number of Nigerians have obtained American citizenship through their service in the United States military. According to recent data, a total of 3,270 Nigerians have gained citizenship through this pathway.
The data, which was obtained from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), reveals that Nigerians are among the top beneficiaries of the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program. This program allows certain foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to enlist in the US military and subsequently obtain American citizenship.
The MAVNI program was established in 2008 to attract highly skilled foreign nationals to serve in the US military. The program has been instrumental in filling critical gaps in the military’s manpower, particularly in areas such as medicine, language expertise, and cultural knowledge.
To be eligible for the MAVNI program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including being a foreign national, possessing a critical skill, and being willing to serve in the US military for at least four years. In exchange for their service, MAVNI participants are eligible to receive expedited US citizenship.
The acquisition of American citizenship through military service is a significant milestone for the 3,270 Nigerians who have benefited from the program. It not only provides them with a new nationality but also opens up new opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth.
