New York, NY —

Legal immigrants in the US are choosing to become citizens at the highest rate since 1980, according to a study by the Pew Hispanic Center.

In New York, the study shows that more than 2/3s of those eligible have been naturalized, compared to just half 10 years ago. To become a citizen, you must live in the US legally for 5 years, undergo a background check and pass a basic English and civics test.

The report doesn't offer a reason for the increased interest, but its author points to 2 possible factors - fewer rights for immigrants who are not naturalized and increased tolerance among foreign countries of dual citizenship.