Migrants who have lived lawfully and permanently in the United States for five years (depending on their unique situation) may apply for US citizenship if they meet additional requirements. This information is available on the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Applicants must meet a number of specific requirements to become US citizens. Citizenship grants them a number of privileges, as well as the expectation that they will fulfill certain responsibilities.
Naturalization is the procedure by which a foreign national gains US citizenship. This method is designed for those who were not born in the country but want to become full citizens, as long as they meet the standards outlined by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Individuals with this disease are eligible for particular benefits and are required to fulfill specific tasks.
Beginning the Naturalization Process: Key Requirements
The most frequent condition for starting the naturalization process is that you have been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. However, this is not the only requirement; various other elements influence eligibility.
In addition to having lived in the nation for five years as a permanent resident, the USCIS specifies additional conditions for applicants seeking citizenship. This includes:
- Being at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Demonstrating good moral character, which means not having committed certain serious crimes.
- Being able to read, write, and speak basic English, except in specific exceptions.
- Proving physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately preceding the filing of Form N-400.
- Understanding the fundamentals of U.S. history and the principles and form of government.
- Living for at least three months in a state (or district) where the USCIS has jurisdiction.
- Committing to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
- Taking an oath of allegiance to the country.
These criteria are intended to guarantee that new citizens are adequately prepared to accept the obligations and rights that come with US citizenship.
Some of the most important prerequisites for applying for citizenship are possessing a strong moral character and the ability to read, speak, and write basic English. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo)
The Path to Citizenship: A Unifying Journey
Naturalization, according to USCIS officials, is “the thread that binds all Americans together,” and as a result of this unity, each individual gains access to a variety of privileges while also fulfilling certain obligations.
As a citizen of the United States, you will have the following rights:
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom to worship as you choose
- The right to a fair and speedy trial by jury
- The right to vote in elections for public officials
- The right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship
- The right to run for elected office
- Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” as described by immigration authorities on the official USCIS website
