Naturalization

Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national acquires United States citizenship. It should not be confused with Citizenship by Acquisition, which is the process by which a person who believes they are a U.S. citizen through their parents or birth claims or demands their citizenship.

Individuals interested in naturalizing and acquiring U.S. citizenship must first be legal residents of the United States. If a person acquired legal residence through marriage to a U.S. citizen, they could apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence. If they acquired legal residence in any other way, they could apply after 5 years of acquiring residency. In the case of individuals in military service, they can naturalize as long as they are legal residents at the time of the naturalization interview.

To apply for the naturalization process and obtain United States citizenship, individuals must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Have been legal residents of the United States for the required period depending on their situation.
• Have had continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Demonstrate good moral character.
• Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government operations.
• Show loyalty to the principles of the United States and its Constitution.
• Be willing to take the oath of allegiance to the United States.

There are several ways to naturalize without having to meet the English language requirement. First, there is the rule known as the 50/20 rule. Under this rule, a person over 50 years old, who has been a resident for more than 20 years, can naturalize in their own language. Second, there is the 55/15 rule, where a person over 55 years old and with more than 15 years of residency can naturalize in their own language. Finally, there is a third exception to the English language requirement. If a person has a physiological or mental condition that prevents them from learning English, they may naturalize in their own language.

• The ability to vote in the United States.
• Travel with a U.S. passport (many countries do not require visas for U.S. citizens).
• The ability to bring family members to the United States.
• Pass on citizenship to your children under 18.
• No risk of losing residency or being deported.
• The ability to live or retire abroad.
• The ability to apply for scholarships and loans.