How to become US citizens

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national who is a legal permanent resident or green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen. To qualify for naturalization, you must meet all the eligibility requirements. When you take your Oath of Allegiance, you will return your green card and will receive a US Naturalization Certificate in exchange.

To be on the road to naturalization, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old

• You must have lived continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing of naturalization. This means you had been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years and has stayed within a particular USCIS district for at least three months before filing an application.

• You must be able to read, write, speak and understand Basic English. Exemptions are for those who are at least 50 years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years in the USA or have a mental impairment, physical or developmental disability that makes it impossible to meet this requirement.

• You must be able to demonstrate knowledge and show that you understand the fundamentals of U.S. history and principles of government. Those people who have physical or mental impairment that affect the applicant’s ability to show knowledge of U.S. History and government on the date of the filing of the naturalization are exempted from this.

• You must be of good moral character. This means you have not been convicted of any offense for the past five years, no delinquent taxes, and no records of criminal history during your stay in the United States prior to your filing for naturalization.

• You must show attachment to the principles of the Constitution and a favorable disposition towards the United States.

• You must take and pass the Redesigned Citizenship Test.

• You must take the Oath of Allegiance. Doing so would show your support to the constitution and you swear to obey the laws of the United States, renounce any foreign allegiance and perform services for the government of the United States when necessary.

The United States Citizenship is often the ultimate goal of those permanent residents with a green card. Once you become a naturalized citizen of the United States, you can start enjoying the countless benefits like having the right to vote for elected officials at the federal, state and local levels, the right to hold most city, state or federal offices, and the right to hold certain federal, state and city jobs.

You can also live in another country for as long as you want and re-enter the U.S. anytime without the fear of being deported. You can also petition for your family members to come to the U.S. with shorter waiting lists for green card sponsorship. Other benefits of a U.S. citizen include receiving full Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain types of educational scholarships and financial aid.