Basics of US Citizenship

Acquiring U.S. citizenship is one way for a foreign citizen or national to remain in the United States legally and indefinitely. The process through which a foreigner can gain U.S. citizenship is called naturalization, and below you’ll find some basic information on the process.

Note that aside from naturalization, one may also acquire U.S. citizenship through birth or blood. One may be a U.S. citizen by virtue of being born on United States soil (jus soli) or by virtue of being born to at least one U.S. citizen parent anywhere in the world (jus sanguinis).

Who is eligible for naturalization?

In order to be eligible to become naturalized as a U.S. citizen, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Age: An applicant for naturalization must be at least 18 years old; for those younger than 18, applications may be filed on behalf of the child by parents or adoptive parents.
  • Entry: An applicant for naturalization must have entered the country legally and gained legal permanent resident status thereafter.
  • Residence: An applicant must remain and reside in the U.S. continuously for five years (three years if the applicant is the spouse of a U.S. citizen). Note this requirement is usually waived regarding children applying as derivative citizens with their parents.
  • Physical Presence: During the five years of residency, an applicant must be physically present in the U.S. at least 50% of the time.
  • Education and literacy: An applicant must be able to read, write, and speak basic English and also must show a certain proficiency in American history, government and politics through a naturalization exam. The literacy requirement may be waived for older applicants if they have been legal residents for a long time.
  • Moral character: An applicant must show good moral character, which is an inexact standard to be sure; courts have found that the following are examples of poor moral character: perjury, gambling, adultery, alcohol abuse, and polygamy.
  • Attachment to constitutional principles: An applicants must show he or she is “attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.”
  • Oath of allegiance: The final step to becoming a U.S. citizen is this pledge of allegiance to the United States.


What are the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship?

Some of the benefits of acquiring U.S. citizenship through naturalization include the right to vote, hold public office, extend U.S. citizenship to children, and also bring extended family members into the U.S. on visas. U.S. citizens may also be able to travel more freely to certain foreign countries previously prohibited by the applicant’s country of origin.

Regarding responsibilities, a U.S. citizen is required to swear allegiance to the United States, renounce allegiances to other countries, defend and support the U.S. Constitution and other laws of the land, and serve in the United States military if required.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to pursue U.S. citizenship?

Although an immigration lawyer is not required in order to apply for U.S. citizenship, the process may be complicated depending on your situation, so you may wish to at least consult with an immigration lawyer before filling out the initial application.

For more complete information on acquiring U.S. citizenship through naturalization, see the USCIS website.