Many from around the world have dreams of becoming American citizens. Possessing a blue passport while waving the red, white, and blue is a goal that some feel is unattainable. Naturalization does have its challenges. However, approximately 800,000 immigrants take the Oath of Allegiance each year, significantly changing their lives for the better. Are you ready to change your immigration status, or is it a long term goal? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming a citizen of the United States.
Citizenship vs Naturalization: What’s the Difference?
Anyone researching how to become a United States citizen has probably stumbled across the word naturalization. If you’re one of those people and are confused about the differences between citizenship and naturalization, you’re not alone. While they both more or less mean the same thing, they do have their differences.
- Citizenship: This generally refers to those born on U.S. soil or one of its territories like Puerto Rico or Guam. Citizenship also applies to children born abroad when at least one of the parents is a United States citizen.
- Naturalization: This is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting certain eligibility requirements.
Natural-born citizens and those who became naturalized share the same freedoms and rights as Americans. The one significant difference is that naturalized citizens are not eligible to run for President or Vice President of the United States. They can, however, hold other public offices.
Requirements to Become an American Citizen
Becoming a naturalized United States citizen isn’t as easy as simply applying for it, as a long list of requirements must be met before you can begin the process. It’s primarily governed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and has the following eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: To be eligible for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old.
- Permanent residency: Only green card holders (lawful permanent residents) can apply for naturalization and must have had it for a minimum of 5 years.
- Continuous residence: Applicants for naturalization must have maintained continuous residence in the country for at least 5 years.
- Physical presence: In addition to 5 years of continuous residence, applicants must have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years.
- State residency: Applicants must have been physically present for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where they applied.
- Good moral character: To apply for naturalization, applicants must not have a record of serious criminal convictions. In general, any kind of aggravated felonies will bar applicants from applying.
If these eligibility requirements are met, green card holders can apply for naturalization to become citizens of the United States.
Benefits of United States Citizenship
Becoming a naturalized American citizen, while being a significant undertaking, provides far more benefits than those that are provided to green card holders. Naturalization comes with legal perks along with the opportunity to fully live the American dream. Some of the many benefits of citizenship include:
- Voting rights: Citizens can vote in local, state, and federal elections, giving them a voice in how they feel the government should run.
- Travel freedoms: For many, a United States passport allows them to travel to more countries without needing a visa. Along with easier travel access, U.S. citizens also have help and assistance from U.S. embassies while abroad.
- More job opportunities: Some federal jobs require applicants to hold U.S. citizenship. Naturalization opens the door to more job opportunities.
- Protection from deportation: No matter the circumstances, naturalized citizens cannot be deported to their home countries.
- The power to sponsor family members: A powerful benefit of naturalization is the ability to sponsor close relatives to emigrate to the country much quicker than green card holders.
- Enhanced access to government benefits: Naturalized citizens are eligible for more government programs such as federal grants and student loans.
- Birthright for your children: Should a naturalized citizen become pregnant, their children will automatically be granted U.S. citizenship through birthright.
The Steps to Becoming an American Citizen
If a green card holder is already eligible for U.S. citizenship, the naturalization process follows a series of clear steps. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
1. Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- The first step is to fill out Form N-400, the official application for U.S. citizenship. You have the choice to submit this form online or by mail.
- Include supporting documents, such as a copy of your green card, evidence of your residence, and two passport-style photos if filing by mail.
2. Pay the Application Fee
- The current fee is $725, which includes $640 for processing and $85 for biometrics (fingerprinting). Fee waivers or reductions may be available for certain low-income applicants.
3. Attend a Biometrics Appointment
- After submitting your naturalization application, you will need to scheduled a biometrics appointment at the closest USCIS office.
- At this appointment, your fingerprints, photo, and signature are collected for a background check.
4. Complete the Naturalization Interview
- After your biometrics are processed, USCIS will schedule an interview where an officer will ask you questions about your application and background.
- You’ll also take the English and civics tests during this interview. These tests determine your ability to read, write, and speak basic English and also your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
5. Receive a Decision from USCIS
- After the interview, USCIS will either approve, continue, or deny your application. If approved, you move on to the next step.
- If your application is held up, they might need additional information or documentation. If denied, you will receive information about the reasons why and may have options to appeal.
6. Receive a Notice to Attend an Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
- If your application is approved, you will receive a notice to attend an oath ceremony. This is the final step in the naturalization process.
7. Attend the Oath Ceremony
- At the oath ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen. You will turn in your green card and in its place you’ll get a Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as proof of your U.S. citizenship.
8. Apply for a U.S. Passport
- After becoming a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport, which will allow you to travel internationally with the full protection of the U.S. government.
The entire process usually takes 8 to 12 months from start to finish, though it can vary depending on your location, individual circumstances, and current processing backlogs.
Common Roadblocks to Naturalization
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen can be challenging, and applicants often face obstacles that delay or prevent their success. Here are four common roadblocks in the naturalization process:
Not Meeting Continuous Residence or Physical Presence Requirements
- Applicants are required to fulfill specific residency rules. Extended time spent abroad, especially for more than 6 months, could disrupt this requirement.
- Long absences without proper documentation or failure to re-establish residence may reset your eligibility timeline or disqualify you.
Issues with Proving Good Moral Character
- To qualify for naturalization, you must show good moral character, generally for the five years before applying (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). This includes avoiding criminal activity, fraud, and tax issues.
- Criminal offenses, DUIs, unpaid child support, or failure to pay taxes can result in your application being denied due to a lack of good moral character.
Errors or Omissions in the Application
- Filing Form N-400 and providing all required documentation is a crucial part of the process. Errors or omissions can cause problems.
- Incomplete applications may be returned or delayed, and providing false information can lead to denial or legal issues.
Often, an experienced immigration and naturalization lawyer can help those applicants who are facing roadblocks to becoming a U.S. citizen. They are of particular help with filling out the forms correctly and ensuring they are honest and accurate, greatly improving their chances of being accepted.
In terms of proving good moral character, while difficult, sometimes an immigration attorney can help to explain criminal offenses or unpaid child support. If you have legal issues in your history, it’s highly recommended that you seek legal assistance.
How to Become a Naturalized American Citizen: Solved
Taking the Oath of Allegiance and obtaining naturalization is an achievable goal. However, the process of getting there does take some time. Once its eligibility requirements are met, the next step is to apply for citizenship. For many, this last step can be filled with anxiety and is a big leap to take from immigrant to citizen.
However, the benefits of becoming a United States nationalized citizen far outweigh any fears that one may have about the process. As an American citizen, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits, privileges, and freedoms that this great nation offers.
