According to the Department of Homeland Security, a total of 694,193 individuals became U.S. citizens by choice (Naturalized) last year. This is a significantly higher number than the 619,913 individuals who naturalized in 2010, but less than the 743,715 individuals who naturalized in 2009. Of interest, is the sharp increase in the number of people who have naturalized in the last twenty years. Prior to 1994, it was rare for over 200,000 individuals to naturalize each year. Since 1994, there has not been less than 400,000 each year.
