How to become an American in 2023?

How to become an American in 2023?

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If you’re considering becoming an American this year, you need to understand the difference between naturalization and citizenship to start your process and complete it successfully. But let’s start from the beginning; what is the difference between naturalization and citizenship?

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process through which an immigrant to the US can become a US citizen. However, not every immigrant is eligible; only those who have been Green Card holders, also known as permanent residents, for 3 to 5 years or meet several military service requirements.

What is citizenship?

Citizenship can be granted to those born to US citizens or at the end of a naturalization process. 

In other words, the main distinction between naturalization and citizenship is that a citizenship certificate is issued to someone who acquires citizenship from their American parents or marriage to a US citizen or through naturalization. The latter is when an individual acquires US citizenship after fulfilling specific requirements established by the United States government.

What do you need to know about the naturalization process?

There are many benefits to becoming a naturalized US citizen, which we will cover later in the article, but let’s start with the naturalization process and what steps you need to follow to become an American in 2023.

Step 1: Apply for naturalization

The first form you must fill out is Form N-400 which is the first legal step to becoming a US citizen. Also called, Application for Naturalization, you will need to send it and pay a fee. You may be exempt from the latter; keep reading to find out if you are. 

You can send this form by mail or send it online. However, you can do it as early as 90 days before you reach your three or five-year wait period as a Green Card holder if you have also satisfied all other eligibility requirements.

Remember that an immigration attorney in San Diego, California, can help you with the naturalization process from start to finish.

Step 2: Go to your biometrics appointment

This step involves getting your fingerprints taken at your local USCIS field office. The goal is to conduct a background check, and it regularly takes place about a month after they receive your US citizenship application.

Step 3: Citizenship interview and exam

To be granted US citizenship, you must attend an interview (be sure to be dressed appropriately), usually scheduled around 14 months after filing your application. This interview is to verify that all of the information on your naturalization application is correct, and it normally takes place at your nearest USCIS office.

You will also need to take an exam unless you qualify for an exemption. It consists of an English language test that evaluates your written and spoken skills and a civics test that assesses your knowledge of US history and government.

For this step, there are other things to consider; you can read more about them here.

Final step: Oath of Allegiance

Once your naturalization application is approved, you will attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. You will be asked to return your Green Card and receive a Certificate of Naturalization.

What else is required to proceed with the naturalization process and become a US citizen?

In addition to waiting three or five years after getting your Green Card, you must also comply with the following (unless you are applying based on qualifying military service):

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must not have taken any six months or longer trips outside the United States during the three- or five-year wait period.
• You must have been a state resident where you plan to apply for citizenship for at least three months.
• You must have “good moral character,” meaning you have not committed certain crimes. 
• You must be willing to serve in the US military or perform civilian service for the United States if called upon to do so.
• You must register with the Selective Service System if you are male and have lived in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25.
• You must be willing to defend the US Constitution.

Are there any exceptions for any of the requirements?

Yes, there are several exceptions that may apply to you:

Exceptions based on disability

Applicants with a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may be exempt from the English and civics test. They can apply for the exemption by filing Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

Exceptions based on peacetime military service

Those individuals who apply for naturalization based on at least one year of peacetime military service are not deprived of traveling abroad for over six months or have resided in the state they are applying for over three months.

Exceptions based on wartime military service

Individuals who apply for naturalization based on any period of wartime military service can be of any age and can benefit from the same exemptions as those exposed in the point above.

However, if you are a US military personnel, you need to meet additional criteria o apply for naturalization this way:

1. You must not have deserted from the US military.
2. You must not have received a discharge or an exemption from the US military based on your non-US citizen status.

Other frequently-asked questions about naturalization

• Can you apply for fee reductions or waivers?
• Yes, if you cannot afford the filing fee for income-based reasons, you can apply for a waiver or fee reduction.

• What is the current naturalization wait time?
• It takes about 18.5 and 24 months from filing your citizenship application to attending the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.

• How much does it cost to apply for naturalization?
• Currently, the government’s filing fee for naturalization applications is $725. Military applicants are exempt from the fee, and applicants older than 75 years are exempt from the biometrics fee.

Are there any benefits to naturalization?

You may be wondering if there are any benefits to being a naturalized citizen, and the answer is yes, which is why many people consider obtaining naturalization. As a US citizen, you can:

• Vote in federal elections.
• Run for Office.
• Stop worrying about immigration forms for good.
• Access new employment opportunities.
• Have greater access to government assistance programs.
• Not be removed (deported) from the country.
• Sponsor relatives seeking immigration status.
• Give citizenship to your children automatically.
• Have a US passport.

If you are considering becoming an American citizen, you will benefit immensely from the help of an immigration lawyer in San Diego, California. Contact us at Kannan Law; we are ready to help!