U.S. citizenship can be granted through a process called naturalization, which carries all the rights, duties, and privileges of citizenship obtained by birth in the US, including the right to vote. However, naturalization citizenship does not carry eligibility to become President and immediate eligibility to be a member of Congress.
To apply for naturalization, you must meet certain requirements, including that you be 18 years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for five years. You must be of good moral character and loyal to the United States; be able to read, write, speak, and understand basic English; and have a basic knowledge and understanding of the history, governing structure, and Constitution of the United States. You must also be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the US and have resided in the state in which you file for citizenship for at least three months immediately preceding the filing.
The basic requirement of naturalization is that the applicant must have been a continuous, lawful, permanent resident of the United States for five or more years, or have been married to a permanent resident for more than three years and be currently married to that spouse. An absence from the US for one year or more without advance approval from Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) breaks the continuity of five years.
Among other requirements for individuals filing for naturalization are:
They must able to read, write and speak English unless physically incapable of doing so; or
If they're over fifty years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for more than 20 years.
Additionally, the applicant must have some knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and government of the United States, and must be a person of good moral character. Often individuals who are naturalized can provide derivative citizenship to their minor children.
The first step is to submit a complete and accurate application form with all the necessary attachments and requirements. Next, prepare for a multiple choice exam about US history and the English language. Third, prepare for your citizenship interview with an officer of Immigration and Naturalization Services, and finally, wait for approval from INS and attend your naturalization ceremony.
For more information on citizenship and naturalization, contact an attorney who specializes in immigration law.
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