Description

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a citizen of the United States.

Sponsorship of Relatives

Allows the naturalized citizen to sponsor spouse, children, (both married and unmarried, of any age) parents, and brothers and sisters for lawful permanent residence.

Qualification For Benefits

Allows the naturalized citizen to qualify for many social and governmental benefits that are restricted to citizens by law.

Extended Travel

Allows the naturalized citizen to remain abroad indefinitely without risking loss of status in United States. Lawful permanent residents can lose status by remaining abroad for over 12 months without a reentry permit.

Security Clearance

Allow the naturalized citizen to qualify for employment with defense sensitive technologies and/or national security issues.

Right to Vote

Allows the naturalized citizen to register and vote in local, state, and national elections.

Legal Residence

The naturalization applicant must have been a lawful permanent resident for five years. If the applicant has been married and continually living with a United States citizen spouse, the requirement is reduced to three years.

Physical Residence

The naturalization applicant must have physically resided in the United States for 30 of the last 60 months immediately prior to the filing of the petition. For spouses of United States citizens, the requirement is 18 of the last 36 months. Certain exceptions exist for active United States military and individuals employed by United States employers engaged in trade abroad.

Good Moral Character

The naturalization applicant must have lived a life of good moral character during the most recent five years (three years for spouses of United States citizens).

Age

The naturalization applicant must be at least eighteen years of age.

English Literacy

The naturalization applicant must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak in English utilizing words in common usage. This requirement is waived for certain individuals with developmental disabilities, and for applicants who are either:

1. Fifty years old and lawful permanent residents for twenty years, or
2. Fifty-five years old and lawful permanent residents for fifteen years.

History Government Knowledge

The naturalization applicant must also possess knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history, and of the principles and form of U.S. government.

Allegiance to the United States

The naturalization applicant must demonstrate that, during the required period of residence, he or she has been attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.

Loss of Foreign Nationality

Depending upon the laws of the applicant's home country, becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States may result in forfeiture of nationality of the home country. The United States does not recognize dual nationality, so an applicant can maintain dual nationality only if the foreign country continues to afford citizenship after the naturalization in the United States.

Loss of Benefits

Depending upon the laws of the applicant's home country, becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States may result in forfeiture of benefits that are afforded by the foreign country to its citizens.

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