Citizenship Applications in Arizona Rise 11 Percent

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data show the number of legal immigrants applying for citizenship in Arizona rose 11 percent this fiscal year.

But the number of citizenship applications remains among the lowest in several years.

The federal agency says in fiscal year 2009 ending Sept. 30, 9,858 legal immigrants applied for citizenship statewide.

The increase mirrors national applications, which rose 9 percent over the same period.

Immigrant advocates say the increase comes despite sharply higher application fees and the economic downturn.

Only immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least five years as legal, permanent residents or those who hold a green card can apply for citizenship.