Citizenship or Naturalization

U.S. citizenship can be acquired through birth, derivation, or naturalization.

Citizenship by Birth
- Born in the U.S.: Anyone born on U.S. soil (except children of foreign diplomats) automatically acquires U.S. citizenship.
- Born Abroad to U.S. Citizens: A child born outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parents may also acquire U.S. citizenship at birth, depending on the parents’ residency history in the U.S. and other conditions.
Citizenship through Derivation
- Children of U.S. Citizens: A child under 18 years old can automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if their parent(s) naturalize while the child is a permanent resident (Green Card holder) and meets other requirements. This process is known as derivative citizenship.
- Adopted Children: Children adopted by U.S. citizen parents may also derive citizenship through the adoption process, under certain conditions outlined by U.S. immigration law.
Naturalization Naturalization is the process through which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen. This is the most common pathway for immigrants who were not born in the U.S. or who did not derive citizenship from their parents. The general requirements for naturalization include:
- Permanent Resident Status: Applicants must have held a Green Card (lawful permanent resident status) for a certain period. Generally, this is 5 years, but can be reduced to 3 years for spouses of U.S. citizens.
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding their application (or 18 months out of 3 years for spouses of U.S. citizens).
- Good Moral Character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character during the period they have been a permanent resident.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be able to speak, read, and write basic English, unless they qualify for an exemption (such as for age or disability).
- Civics Knowledge: Applicants must pass a civics test that covers U.S. history, government, and rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
- Oath of Allegiance: Applicants must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States, pledging loyalty to the country.

Naturalization Process

The process for becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization involves several steps:

Application: Submit Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), along with the necessary documents and fees.
Biometrics Appointment: After submitting the application, applicants will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to have fingerprints and photographs taken for background checks.
Interview: Applicants will be scheduled for an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, where they will be asked questions about their application, background, and knowledge of U.S. civics and English.
Oath Ceremony: If the application is approved, applicants will attend a naturalization ceremony where they take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming U.S. citizens.