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Become a U.S. Citizen - The Basics

Your complete guide to U.S. citizenship through naturalization

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Over 250,000 people apply for citizenship every year mostly through Naturalization, the primary method of acquiring U.S. citizenship.

Citizenship gained through Naturalization is in almost all respects the same as citizenship gained through other means. There are some restrictions, however, the presidency is limited to "natural born" citizens, and naturalized persons must have been citizens for a proscribed number of years before they may serve as federal senators or representatives. Citizenship obtained by naturalization may be revoked through denaturalization proceedings of the naturalization was improperly obtained. In all other respects, however, the rights of citizens "are the same dignity and coextensive" with those of other citizens. Some people are able to apply for derivative citizenship.

There are 5 Basic Requirements

In order to successfully apply for US Citizenship you must comply with the following requirements.

1. Residency

There are different rules for the residency period. It depends on whether you received you Green Card though marriage to a US citizen or whether you received it though some other means. If you received you Green Card though marriage to a US citizen then you will need to have been a lawful permanent resident for three (3) years. For all other applicants you will need to have been a lawful permanent resident for a period of five (5) years.

2. Absences out of the United States

Count the exact days you were out before you file. You may save time and money. If you apply under the 3-year rule, then you will have to have physically resided in the U.S. for a period of 18 months, and during this time never remained out of the U.S. for a period of greater than 6 month. If you apply under the 5-year rule, then you will have to have physically resided in the U.S. for a period of 30 months, and during this time never remained out of the U.S. for a period of greater than 6 month.

3. Reading and Writing Simple English

Some people may take the test in their own language. Some people may not have to take the test.

4. Good Moral Character

Even the smallest infraction should be disclosed.

5. Knowledge of US History and Government

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS Officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics.

Naturalization Tests

English Test

Speaking Test

Your ability to speak English will be determined by a USCIS Officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Reading Test

You must read one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.

Writing Test

You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.

Civics Test

There are 100 civics questions on the naturalization test. During your naturalization interview, you will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. You must answer correctly at least six (6) of the 10 questions to pass the civics test.

Important: You have two opportunities to take the English and civics tests per application. If you fail any portion of the test during your first interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed within 90 days.

Study Tools

To help you prepare, try the official USCIS practice test.

Take Official USCIS Practice Test

Documents Required for All Citizenship Interviews

Bring the applicable items listed below to your naturalization (citizenship) interview. All document should be in the original or a certified copy. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation in English. The translator must certify that he/she is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. Failure to do so will postpone you citizenship application.

Your alien registration card
Photo identification (state driver's license or state identification card)
Your passport(s) and any travel documents issued by the I.N.S.
If you have ever been arrested, you must bring complete arrest report(s), certified court disposition(s), probation report(s) (if applicable), including records that may have been sealed or expunged
Copies of recent years tax returns
If you are a male and between the ages of 18 and 31, please bring proof you registered with the Selective Service System
If you are unable to take the full oath of allegiance, please bring a letter from your church explaining how your religious beliefs prevent you from taking the full oath
If you have minor children residing outside of your home, please bring evidence of your payment of financial support

Special Note: Citizenship Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ITEMS MUST BE PRESENTED IF YOU ARE APPLYING AS A SPOUSE OF A U.S. CITIZEN.

Proof that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for more than three years
Your marriage certificate
Proof of termination of ALL prior marriages of both you and your spouse (if any)
Evidence of bona fide marriage - joint tax returns, deeds, lease agreements, credit accounts, joint ownership documents
Birth certificates of your children

Rights of US Citizens

Resident aliens (Green Card Holders) in most instances are granted equal rights to those enjoyed by United States citizens. However, there are some basic differences between these two statuses.

When your application for U.S. citizenship has been approved and you have been sworn in, you will be able to sponsor your mother, father, sister, brother and married children. Becoming a U.S. citizen permits you to qualify for government jobs and receive government financial assistance, if necessary. U.S. citizenship allows you to retire, move back to your home country and receive US retirement benefits without having to return to the US. You will be able to enter the US without any difficulties and will have diplomatic protection through out the world. And most importantly you can vote. In the American democracy your vote is your voice. It is the way the government can hear what you have to say. With your vote comes the political power that green card holders don't have. Citizens have a voice and basically that's what democracy is all about.

1. RIGHT TO TRAVEL AND LIVE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

An American citizen is free to live in a foreign country for as long a period as he or she wishes and for any purpose without jeopardizing his/her status as a citizen. Freedom of movement and travel is protected by the United States constitution. A green card holder may not remain outside the United States for a period of over one year without risking loss of his green card.

2. RIGHT TO ENTER AND LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

An alien, even a green card holder can be denied entry into the United States on any ground specified by congress. Similarly, an alien can be deported and expelled. A citizen, on the other hand, cannot be barred from entering the United States.

3. DIPLOMATIC PROTECTION

A citizen may obtain a United States passport. With this passport comes diplomatic protection. As the citizen owes allegiance to the United States so to is he entitled to the protection of the nation.

4. RIGHT OF TRANSMISSION OF CITIZENSHIP TO CHILDREN ABROAD

5. RIGHT OF TRANSMISSION OF LEGAL RESIDENCY

You can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children and married children. You can also sponsor your parents. As a citizen the process moves much faster.

6. GREEN CARDS ARE NOT FOREVER

Stay out of the U.S. longer than one year and you can lose it. Get in trouble with the law and you can find yourself back home in the old country for good.

7. POLITICAL RIGHTS

Such as voting, running for high political offices, and right to work in certain public employment.

Liabilities of US Citizens

1. TAXES

Generally a United States citizen may be subjected to income tax on all income both in the United States and throughout the world. Non-resident aliens generally are required to pay taxes on income earned in the United States only.

2. MILITARY SERVICE

American citizens must register for military service and serve if called and qualified no matter where they reside, even if their residence is outside the United States.

3. AMENABILITY TO AMERICAN LAWS

Under certain circumstances American laws may apply to United States citizens living abroad and may have to appear in a United States court to respond to a subpoena and may be held liable to punishment for contempt for failure to respond to such subpoena.

Need Help with Your Citizenship Application?

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