Applying for Citizenship

The ultimate goal for many immigrants is to become an U.S. citizen and obtain the same rights and responsibilities of a natural born American citizen. Following this goal, many will apply for Citizenship USA.

In order to apply for Citizenship and eventually become a “naturalized U.S. citizen”, applicants have to meet several Citizenship requirements: They have to be over 18 years old and permanent residents of the U.S. for 5 years. During this time period, they must not have been physically absent from the U.S. for more than a year. Additionally, applicants have to pass several examinations including a civics exam and a test on language proficiency. Finally, they have to swear to be of good moral character, certify that they will uphold the constitution and pledge alligiance to the United States of America.

As in most countries, immigration to the U.S. is an individual process. Hence, applications are reviewed on a case-to-case basis. Furthermore, there are additional requirements for specific groups of people, e.g. married couples (Green Card Marriage) or male applicants, as well as certain exceptions and waivers. Foreign citizens which apply for Citizenship might want to get help by an attorney specialized on immigration issues.

Eventually, as naturalized U.S. citizens, applicants will gain the same rights and privileges of natural born American citizens, except for one: naturalized U.S. citizens are not eligible to run for President of the United States. At the same time, naturalized citizens have the same responsibilities as natural born U.S. citizens such as to support and defend the Constitution, serve the country when required, participate in the democratic process, respect and obey federal, state, and local laws, respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others and participate in their local community.

Links: Immigration Green Card | Immigration Requirements | Employment Immigration | Applying for Citizenship |