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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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1M New Citizens Break Century Record

Fee increase helps immigration service clear huge backlog

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(Newser) – Over a million new American citizens took the oath of allegiance last year—the highest number since the government began keeping records a century ago, reports CNN. The number of people going through the naturalization process has been steadily climbing for decades. The clearing of a major 2007 backlog—along with a push by Hispanic media for citizenship for eligible residents—helped boost the numbers.

An Immigration and Naturalization service is held at Comerica Park to swear in 100 individuals, including Detroit Tigers' Placido Polanco, as citizens, last summer in Detroit.
An Immigration and Naturalization service is held at Comerica Park to swear in 100 individuals, including Detroit Tigers' Placido Polanco, as citizens, last summer in Detroit.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Gerald Saint Louis of Haiti waits to be sworn in as a US citizen during a naturalization ceremony in Miami Beach, Fla., last year.
Gerald Saint Louis of Haiti waits to be sworn in as a US citizen during a naturalization ceremony in Miami Beach, Fla., last year.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Zack Brito, 19, of Canada, displays a new haircut and dye job during the Fiesta of Independence where he and fellow immigrants were sworn in as new US citizens last summer in Phoenix.
Zack Brito, 19, of Canada, displays a new haircut and dye job during the Fiesta of Independence where he and fellow immigrants were sworn in as new US citizens last summer in Phoenix.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Newly sworn-in US citizens pose during last summer's 46th annual Independence Day celebration and naturalization ceremony at the historic home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Va.
Newly sworn-in US citizens pose during last summer's 46th annual Independence Day celebration and naturalization ceremony at the historic home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Va.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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