What are the requirements to naturalize?
- An individual must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
- Residents generally must have their green cards for 5 years before USCIS can naturalize them. But for those married to a U.S. citizen, some can naturalize after only 3 years.
- Applicants cannot be outside of the U.S. for too long. They must be physically present for half of the required time when they add up all days. They must also prove continuous residence, and absences of more than six months on any single trip can cause denial of the naturalization application.
- An individual must have lived for three months in the state area covered by their local USCIS office.
- Every applicant must establish good moral character. Things like failure to file tax returns and unsolved debt to the IRS can negatively affect the applicant. Other issues include criminal history, whether during the time period or not. Owing child support is another issue considered by USCIS.
- If you have criminal history and want to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, consulting with an experience immigration attorney is simply critical. USCIS not only has the power to deny an applicant with certain criminal convictions, USCIS has the power to also issue a Notice to Appear in immigration court for potential removal from the U.S. In other words, some people risk losing their green card status and deportation simply by attempting to naturalize.
Do I have to be fluent in English to naturalize?
- The simple answer is no. “Ordinary usage” is the legal standard. During their interview, the applicant must prove that they have a basic understanding of the English language and the ability to communicate using simple vocabulary and grammar.
- The English language exam is twofold. One, the applicant must correctly write one sentence. Two, the applicant must successfully read one sentence. USCIS provides vocabulary lists to aid applicants in studying and practicing.
- Some applicants are exempt from the English language exams all together, and these individuals may take the civics exam in their native language. This all depends on the applicant’s age and how long he or she has been a resident of the U.S. Everyone whose green card was issued less than 15 years ago must take and pass the English language exams.
What are some benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?
- Only citizens can register to vote and vote in local, state, and federal U.S. elections.
- Only citizen can receive a U.S. passport.
- Because lawful permanent residents can lose their status through abandonment by moving from the U.S., become a citizen gives someone the freedom to live abroad without immigration concerns.
- Some government jobs lawfully require U.S. citizenship to be hired.
- U.S. citizens can petition more types of family members for residency than those who only have green cards. And for some spouses of residents, the process of gaining residency through their LPR spouse is must longer and more difficult; so, having their spouse naturalize first is often the best option for the immigrant spouse.
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