How Can I Become a Citizen in the United States?

In the weeks following the 2016 election, one of the most common questions I’ve received is “how can I become a US Citizen?” For most immigrants with a Legal Permanent Residency card, the answer is the naturalization process.

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What is Citizenship?

According to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), citizenship is the “common thread that connects all Americans,” and the decision to apply is a significant one.

U.S. Citizens enjoy many important benefits and hold equally important responsibilities. By applying for citizenship in the United States, you are demonstrating your commitment to our nation and our form of government.

Rights and Responsibilities of U.S Citizens

Below is a list of numerous rights and responsibilities that all citizens should exercise and respect. According to USCIS, some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are important to ensuring that America remains a free and prosperous nation.

Rights

Responsibilities

Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to worship as you wish.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
Right to vote in elections for public officials.
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
Right to run for elected office.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in your local community.
Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
Serve on a jury when called upon.
Defend the country if the need should arise.

Becoming a Citizen in the United States

There are two ways to become a US Citizen: (1) by birth and (2) by naturalization.

Natural Born Citizen EN.png Natural-Born Citizens
Birthright Citizenship refers to an individual obtaining citizenship through circumstances of their birth, either by being born within the jurisdiction of the United States or to US Citizen parents. These citizens are often referred to as “natural born citizens.”

Naturalized U.S. Citizens
The second is through the naturalization process. This is the process by which individuals who are not born in the United States become U.S. Citizens.

Naturalization Process

Before we begin the naturalization process, we must identify your legal situation and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Depending on your situation, different requirements may apply to you.

Here is a list of general requirements to apply for US Citizenship:

Be a permanent resident (also known as a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years.
Be at least 18 years old at the time you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately before the date you file Form N-400.
Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately before the date you file Form N-400.
Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply. Students may apply for naturalization either where they go to school or where their family lives (if they are still financially dependent on their parents).

Once we have a clear understanding of your case and are able to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements, we can begin the naturalization process.

Overview of the Naturalization Process

Here is a quick overview of the naturalization process in the United States:

Prepare and submit an N-400 form, Application for Naturalization.
Having received your N-400 form, USCIS will revise your application. They will contact you to set up your biometrics appointment to take your fingerprints.
Later, you will attend your citizenship interview where you will also take your citizenship test as well.
Once USCIS approves the interview and exam, you shall receive a notification to attend your oath ceremony. You will receive your certificate and in that moment, you become an American citizen.

Applying for Citizenship

The naturalization process to become a citizen in the United States is a rather lengthy process, and, as with any USCIS application, it’s important to get it right the first time. I recommend you read the guides and prerequisites on the USCIS.gov website or visit our offices to consult on your specific case.

If you have any concerns, please contact us by calling us at 405-272-9393 or by requesting a consultation online.