Citizenship

Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant.  Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:

• By birth, either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents, or
• By Naturalization.

In addition, in 2000, Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), which allows any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

• a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
• an ability to read, write, and speak English;
• a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• good moral character;
• attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
• favorable disposition toward the United States.

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under "Useful Information" and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying.

Note: Recent changes in immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize.

More Details

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by the government. U.S. Citizenship holds several advantages to Permanent Residency:

• U.S. Citizens have the right to vote.
• Only U.S. Citizens may possess U.S. passports.
• U.S. Citizens receive U.S. government protection when abroad.

Basic Residency Requirements

If Permanent Residency was acquired through U.S. employment, the requirements for naturalization are as follows:

• 5 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United States for trips of six months or longer;
• 30 months of physical presence in the United States;
• 3 months in District or State of current residence.

If Permanent Residency was acquired through marriage to a U.S. Citizen, the requirements for naturalization are as follows:

• 3 years as a Permanent Resident without leaving the United States for trips of six months or longer;
• 18 months of physical presence in the United States;
• 3 months in District or State of current residence.

Other General Requirements Summary

In addition to the residency requirements listed above, the following requirements apply to all naturalization applicants:

• at least 18 years of age;
• an ability to read, write, and speak English;
• a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• good moral character;
• attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
• favorable disposition toward the United States.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance

If USCIS approves your application for naturalization, you must attend a ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. USCIS will notify you by mail of the time and date of your ceremony. The notice USCIS sends you is called the "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony". In some cases, USCIS may give you the option to take the Oath on the same day as your interview.

Currently the Oath 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.

Receiving your Certificate of Naturalization

Once you have taken the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You may use this document as proof that you are a U.S. citizen. We strongly recommend that you apply for a U.S. passport soon after your naturalization ceremony.

For more information contact our office at 1.800.437.7313