Becoming A Lawful Citizen: A Comprehensive Guide

Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen can become a citizen of a country, in this case, the United States, by meeting specific legal requirements. In the US, the most common path to citizenship through naturalization is by being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. However, there are other routes to naturalization, including for those with US military service.

To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must meet several requirements. They must be at least 18 years old, have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months out of the five years before filing Form N-400, and have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over their place of residence. They must also be a person of good moral character, demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution, be proficient in basic English, and have knowledge of US civics.

The naturalization process involves several steps, including submitting an application, attending a biometrics appointment, and participating in a citizenship interview and exam. Once the application is approved, the final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving a Certificate of Naturalization.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements to become a lawful citizen:

• You must be at least 18 years old when you submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Show that you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years.
• Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately before the date you file Form N-40.
• Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before the date you file Form N-40.
• Show that you have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you are a student and are financially dependent on your parents, you may apply for naturalization where you go to school or where your family lives.
• Show that you are a person of good moral character and have been a person of good moral character for at least five years immediately before the date you file Form N-40.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
• Be able to read, write and speak basic English.
• Have knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and the principles and form of government (civics).
• Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Please note that certain applicants, due to their age and time as an LPR, do not have to take the English test for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

Application process

The process of becoming a lawful citizen of the United States is called naturalization. The most common path to citizenship through naturalization is to be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. Conditional permanent residents (CPRs) are generally not eligible for naturalization unless the conditions on their permanent resident status have been removed.

Before applying for naturalization, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

• Being at least 18 years old when you submit your application
• Demonstrating that you have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years (three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
• Showing continuous residence in the United States for at least five years immediately before the date you file your application
• Being physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before the date you file your application
• Living in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least three months
• Demonstrating good moral character for at least five years immediately before the date you file your application
• Demonstrating an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
• Being able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Having knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and the principles and form of government
• Taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States

Certain applicants may be exempt from the English test for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.

The first step in the application process is to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and pay the filing fee (unless you are exempt). You may fill out and mail a paper application or complete the application online.

The next step is to set up a biometrics appointment to get your fingerprints taken at your local USCIS field office. This usually takes place about a month after USCIS receives your application.

The citizenship interview and exam usually take place around 14 months after filing your application. During the interview, a USCIS officer will verify that all the information on your application is correct. The interview also includes a two-part naturalization test: an English language test and a civics test.

If you pass the interview and exam, your application will be approved, and you will be invited to attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony to complete the naturalization process and become a U.S. citizen.

Citizenship interview and exam

The citizenship interview is a crucial stage in the process of becoming a US citizen. It is during this interview that the US government determines your eligibility to become a citizen, based on the information and documentation you have provided. A US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer will ask questions about your naturalization application (Form N-400) and your background. This interview usually lasts about 20 minutes, but the exact time will vary depending on the applicant.

Before the interview, the USCIS officer will review your Form N-400 and your "A-File", which is a collection of records documenting your immigration journey. The questions will focus on the contents of these files, particularly your responses on Form N-400. It is a good idea to make a copy of your completed Form N-400 and review your answers before the interview.

On the day of the interview, you will need to arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete the check-in process at the USCIS field office. You will need to bring your interview appointment notice and a photo ID. You may also bring a representative, an interpreter, and/or a family member or friend, depending on your needs.

The interview is also the first part of the English component of the citizenship exam. The USCIS officer will evaluate your ability to communicate verbally in basic English. You will be asked to read aloud one out of three sentences correctly and write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate your ability to read and write in English. The content will focus on civics and history topics.

The second part of the citizenship exam is the civics test, which can be taken orally or in writing. You will be asked questions about American government and history, and you must answer at least six out of ten questions correctly to pass.

If you are unable to attend your interview on the original date, you can request that USCIS reschedule, provided you give sufficient written notice beforehand. However, this will likely result in a months-long delay. If you do not attend the interview and do not provide advance notice, your application will be shut down, and you will need to contact USCIS within one year to restart the process.

Oath of Allegiance

To become a lawful citizen of the United States, non-citizens must undergo the naturalization process. This involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, demonstrating good moral character, and having a basic understanding of U.S. history and the English language. One of the final steps in this process is taking the Oath of Allegiance.

The Oath of Allegiance is a solemn pledge of loyalty and commitment to the United States of America. It is a critical component of the naturalization process, signifying the immigrant's willingness to renounce their previous allegiances and embrace their new identity as an American citizen. The oath typically includes a renunciation of fidelity to any foreign powers, a pledge to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and laws, and a promise to bear arms or perform non-combatant service for the nation when required.

The exact wording of the Oath of Allegiance, as provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is as follows:

> "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

It is important to note that the phrase "so help me God" is optional, and applicants may choose to substitute it with "and solemnly affirm." Additionally, those who object to bearing arms or performing non-combatant service due to religious beliefs may request to omit those clauses.

The Oath of Allegiance is typically administered by an immigration judge or an authorized officer of the USCIS during a naturalization ceremony. It represents a pivotal moment in the journey towards U.S. citizenship, marking the immigrant's formal declaration of loyalty and dedication to their new nation.

Benefits of citizenship

Citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, rights, and responsibilities. Here are some of the key advantages of becoming a citizen:

Protection from deportation and the right to stay

Citizenship offers protection from deportation. As a lawful permanent resident, certain criminal convictions or even non-criminal activities could put you at risk of deportation. Citizenship removes this risk, and naturalized citizens can only be stripped of their status in very rare circumstances.

Voting rights and political representation

Citizens have the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections, allowing them to elect leaders and vote on issues that matter to them and their communities. They can also run for office and serve in various political positions, including local school boards, city councils, state legislatures, and the House of Representatives. This participation in democracy ensures that people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse opinions are represented.

Citizenship for children and family reunification

Children under 18 can usually become citizens when their parents do. Citizenship also allows individuals to sponsor and expedite green cards for their family members, including children, parents, spouses, and siblings, helping families stay together.

Travel freedom and consular assistance

Citizens can obtain a passport, which grants visa-free travel to numerous destinations worldwide. They can travel as often as they like, for as long as they like, and can always return home. They can also access assistance from embassies and consulates when traveling abroad, providing security and peace of mind.

Increased financial opportunities and access to benefits

Citizenship can lead to a 5% or higher increase in earning potential, improving financial security and contributing to the national economy. Citizens can also access federal and state government jobs, which often offer better benefits and earnings than private-sector jobs. Additionally, certain financial aid programs, scholarships, and government benefits are exclusively available to citizens.

Dual citizenship

Some countries, like the United States, permit dual citizenship, allowing naturalized citizens to maintain their original citizenship as well. This provides the benefits of citizenship in two countries and the freedom to live and work in either country.

These benefits of citizenship offer individuals and families enhanced rights, opportunities, and security, contributing to a more prosperous and representative society.

Frequently asked questions