Requirements for a US Citizen Application
The process in which a person voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen after being born outside of the United States is naturalization. Once they are U.S. citizens, immigrants will be able to participate in many of the same benefits as those who were born in the United States, such as voting, obtaining a U.S. passport for travel, and employment with government agencies. Before beginning the naturalization process, immigrants must meet a variety of eligibility requirements.
Other People Are Reading
-
Time as a Permanent Resident
-
Immigrants receive what is known as a "green card" after establishing themselves as permanent residents. In general, a person must have continuous permanent residence in the United States for a period of five years before becoming eligible for citizenship. If the immigrant is married to a U.S. citizen, this requirement is lowered to three years. Those who have at least one year of service in the U.S. armed forces must be permanent residents at the time of their citizenship interviews.
Continuous Residence
-
This is the length of time the immigrant was a permanent resident while also not having left the United States for trips greater than six months at a time. Those in the armed forces do not need to meet this requirement.
-
Physical Presence in the US
-
Immigrants required to meet a permanent residence period of five years must spend a total of 30 months within the United States, while immigrants who must meet a permanent residence period of three years must spend a total of 18 months on U.S. soil. Again, those in the armed forces do not need to meet this requirement.
Time in USCIS District or State
-
Immigrants must spend three months living within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district or state in which they plan to apply in. Members of the armed forces are exempt from this requirement as well.
Good Moral Character
-
While much of what determines "good moral character" is not clearly defined, there are a few key examples of what is not accepted. Lying during the application process, having a criminal record, alcoholism, participating in gambling, or being negligent to child support or alimony payments are considered not good moral character.
English and Civics Knowledge
-
Aside from a few exemptions due to age or disability, all applicants are required to both learn the English language and pass a civics knowledge test. They must be able to read, write, and speak common English and have a basic understand of U.S. history and government.
Attachment to the Constitution
-
Finally, applicants must demonstrate an attachment to the Constitution. This occurs during the Oath of Allegiance. Each immigrant must agree to denounce any foreign allegiances, to support and defend the ideals and laws set forth within the Constitution, and to serve the United States. Each applicant must complete and pass these three requirements as a condition of his citizenship.
-
