What are the ways to become a US citizen?

What are the ways to become a US citizen?

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The term “citizen” has been used for centuries in aspects such as legal, political, and even philosophical to define the origin of people. This word states that a person is part of a particular society or territory, and although this denotes rights, it also implies many duties.

Despite this, many people decide to emigrate to another country, searching for another citizenship. The reasons are numerous, but many are rooted in social, political, and economic crises in their country of origin. Today, each country has its requirements to accept immigrants, legalize their presence in its territory and naturalize them as citizens.

The United States is a country that receives immigrants par excellence. People from different parts of the world decide to move to their territory legally and illegally in search of opportunities and a better life. However, few are aware of the requirements to achieve this goal.

In the following article, we seek to guide the interested public on the ways to become a US citizen. And, of course, we introduce the procedure that underlies said objective.

What does it mean to be a US citizen?

First of all, citizenship is a bond that unites one or several groups of people both to civic ideals and the rights, freedoms, and duties established in a constitution. Therefore, pursuing this title in a new country is a serious decision that will take significant time.

It is also necessary to clarify that all those born within the United States territory are considered US citizens. And although it sounds like a very exclusive status, being such a great country and promoter of freedoms, it also stands out as a recipient of people from all over the world.

Under this condition, it sounds illogical to maintain a reserved policy regarding immigration. However, as a world potential and with a functional legal system, the United States has established very clear rules regarding granting citizenship to people from abroad.

How can you get US citizenship?

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the agency in charge of coordinating and supervising the process, people born in other countries can also become US citizens. In order to do this, there are three well-differentiated ways: by birth through the parents, by naturalization, and naturalization through military service. The first two are the most common.

Birth through parents

According to the USCIS, this route is subdivided into two options that allow obtaining US citizenship by birth through the parents. These are: at birth and after birth, but before reaching the age of majority (18 years). This applies to children of US citizens residing in the United States and children of US citizens living outside the country.

Naturalization

On the other hand, we have naturalization, which can also occur in different ways: by naturalization or by acquisition. The latter refers to the acquisition of citizenship through parents, as explained previously.

Here we will focus on naturalization, which is granting US citizenship to a foreigner. And although many people have achieved it throughout history, this is possible by meeting a series of requirements. The United States Congress established all of these and lay in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). And indeed, this is a document worth consulting.

Naturalization through military service

Another way to obtain US citizenship is through military service. If a person serves or has served in the United States Armed Forces and meets a series of basic requirements, they can also apply. The criterion here is having served in peacetime for at least one year. And in fact, many military installations have a USCIS coordinator to guide those interested in the process.

What to consider

Although this is a dream longed for by many, not everyone is willing to dedicate everything it takes to become a US citizen. The reasons abound, but in general, factors such as lack of planning, poor adherence to national laws, and illegal immigrant status can affect the goal.

Therefore, an essential step before venturing into this journey for a better future is to learn about the process and its requirements. To begin with, it is not easy, and patience will be a great ally since the procedures could take time. Indeed, being a country with so many opportunities, it is logical that many people share this goal and are already trying to achieve it. Therefore, immigration agencies may take time to respond.

Following this line of ideas, it is necessary to consult all the requirements to opt for naturalization. Once this is done, confirm that the person who wants to obtain it meets all the eligibility criteria. This would also imply understanding the exceptions that might apply to achieve that goal.

The process is laborious and, in many cases, can confuse those interested. The same ignorance can lead them to incur in acts that could harm their integration in the United States and the possibility of naturalization.

Therefore, it would not be a bad idea to hire a lawyer specialized in immigration cases. This will provide all the advice regarding behavior and steps to apply for citizenship.

It should be noted that an immigration attorney will not guarantee success in obtaining citizenship, and this decision is left to the judge or agent in charge of the case. However, having it can help you fully comply with all the steps and requirements to achieve it.

What are the requirements to qualify for US citizenship?

We have already reached one of the most important points in this topic: the requirements to opt for US citizenship. Indeed, these are not impossible to fulfill, but they deserve interest and dedication for integration into the country’s idiosyncrasy. First, the interested party must be at least 18 years old when submitting their application.

The person must have resided and been physically in the country. It is necessary to have been a legal permanent resident for the last three or five years, depending on the type of naturalization sought. Therefore, they must have a visa to reside in said territory legally.

Another essential requirement is to read, write and speak English at least at a basic level. In addition, the applicant for US citizenship must know and understand US history and government.

Last but not least: the person must demonstrate good moral character. They must prove that they have knowledge of and are loyal to the principles outlined in the US Constitution and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance as evidence.

Therefore, an immigrant who wants to become a US citizen must learn English, history, and understand the country’s ideals. It is also necessary for them to maintain an impeccable image in the eyes of the law during the years as a permanent resident.

Immigrant visa

Once the requirements have been reviewed, it is essential to discuss the visas. To live legally in the United States, you will need a visa. The country grants different types according to the particular condition of each person—for example, the type of employment, adoption, and even taking into account family ties.

But in short, there are two general types of visas: temporary (immigrant) and non-immigrant. It is precisely the first that allows a person to apply for legal permanent residence and, subsequently, naturalization. The latter is granted to those who visit the country temporarily: tourists, students, foreign investors, among others.

How to apply for an immigrant visa?

Several conditions can be used to apply for an immigrant visa. One of them is to have an engagement, be married, or have children with a US citizen. Arguably this is the simplest way.

Religious workers and former US government employees who served in Iraq and Afghanistan may also apply. Similarly, workers who fit into the preferential categories and win the visa lottery.

After the immigrant visa, the Green Card

One of the documents most longed for by those who aspire to become US citizens is the Green Card. By applying, immigrants can become legal permanent residents and, later, obtain their naturalization. This can be accomplished through a family member who is already a US citizen, an employer, and obtaining asylum or refugee status.

How to apply for US citizenship?

Now that we have discussed the application process’s requirements and context, we can discuss the steps necessary to apply for US citizenship. Fortunately, it can be done online and in person by going to a physical office.

Online form

The N-400 form is the one to apply for US citizenship once the eligibility has been verified. This can be filled out online by accessing the corresponding section of the USCIS.

Paper form

Another way still valid is the printing of the N-400 form on paper. Fill it with the requested data; then, send it by mail with the required documents and the requested fee.

Interview and exam

Once this is done, USCIS will review the application and schedule an appointment to fingerprint the applicant, interview them, and assess their knowledge of the United States through an exam. After this stage, a swearing-in ceremony is held to formalize the naturalization of the new US citizen. Finally, the passport can be processed.

It is important to note that the duration of the process is variable. And even though it has been described in detail in this article, there may still be very particular doubts that deserve clarification, such as obtaining an immigrant visa, the immigration lottery, or an exception application. There may even be confusion about what needs to be learned to pass the exam.

For this reason, we always recommend seeking appropriate legal advice that facilitates both understanding and practice. Kannan Law Firm offers this and much more, so don’t hesitate to contact us.