Overview: What is naturalization? What does it mean to become a naturalized citizen of the United States?
United States citizenship laws are often times some of the most complicating sets of laws in the Immigration and Nationality Act. They have changed drastically over the years and require an experienced attorney to help you through the process of applying for citizenship. Attorney Paul Scott will first determine your eligibility for naturalization and prepare,file your application and supporting evidence. He will also attend the naturalization interview with you. It is important to speak with an experienced immigration attorney before any application is filed with USCIS because there are many things that can lead to a denial of the application or even lead to the applicant being placed in removal proceedings.
United States Citizens are persons either born in the United States or to United States citizens parents while in a foreign country. A person who was not born a United States citizen may become United States citizenship through a process known as naturalization.
There are a few ways that one can become a naturalized citizen. Generally,in order to be eligible for naturalization one must be:
1. At least 18 years of age at the time of filing;
2. A legal permanent resident of the United States;and
3. Have had a status of legal permanent resident in the United States for 5 years before they apply.
In some instances,the requirement that the applicant have had a status of legal permanent resident for 5 years will be reduced to 3 years,if the applicant:
1. Acquires legal permanent resident status;
2. Has been married to and living with a citizen for the past 3 years;
3. The spouse has been a United States citizen for the past 3 years;and
4. The spouse has been a United States citizen for at least 3 years prior to the applicant applying for naturalization.
In addition to the above requirements,the person applying for naturalization must have been physically present for at least 30 of the 60 months prior to the date of filing,or 18 of the 36 months if the applicant qualifies for a reduction in the amount of time required to have status of a legal permanent resident.
As a general rule,during those 60 months,if the legal permanent resident applying for naturalization was outside the United States for a continuous period of 6 months or more,they will be disqualified from naturalizing.
Applicants must also be able to show that they are “a person of good moral character”. When applying for naturalization,it is important to be honest and disclose any prior criminal record or other information to your attorney,as it may affect your eligibility.
Finally,applicants for citizenship must take a citizenship test,which generally involves questions about United States history and government. Applicants will be asked ten questions,and must answer at least six questions with the expected answers. Although there are some exceptions,applicants are also expected to have a working knowledge of the English language.
Resources:
Study Materials for the English Test
Study Materials for the Civics Test