US Citizenship & Naturalization

For U.S. citizenship for foreign nationals, it has always been important for persons eligible to apply for naturalization and obtain their American citizenship. This is true now more than ever. To be eligible for naturalization in the United States, you must meet certain requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years of age. You will also need to have been admitted lawfully into the U-S as a permanent resident. You are required to have lived continuously in the US for at least five years, staying in one state or district for at least three months. Additionally, you must show that you’ve been “of good moral character” for the required period. Several actions can exclude you from good moral character, such as committing certain crimes, smuggling illegal aliens, habitual drunkenness, polygamy, and more.

To apply for naturalization, you will need to be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in English as well as show knowledge of the basics of history and the government of the US. Some people are exempt from the language and history requirements, and eligible for exclusions and waivers. You will be asked to take an oath of allegiance, where you promise to support the Constitution and obey the laws of the US, renounce any foreign allegiance or title, and be ready to bear arms for the armed forces of the US if it’s required. There are many ways to obtain citizenship in the United States. Citizenship is automatically granted if the individual was born in the US or its possessions, or if the individual was born outside the United States to citizen parents. Most individuals seeking citizenship are interested in naturalization. The basic requirement of naturalization is that the applicant must have been a continuous lawful permanent resident of the United States for five or more years, or have been married to a permanent resident for more than three years and be currently married to that spouse. An absence from the US for one year or more without advance approval from BCIS breaks the continuity of five years. There are certain exemptions to certain parts of the process of obtaining citizenship.

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