Becoming a citizen of the United States through the process of naturalization is a milestone for immigrants.
It grants individuals the right to fully participate in the civic life of the country, enjoy certain privileges, and take on new responsibilities as U.S. citizens.
Let’s explore what naturalization is and the benefits and responsibilities that come with obtaining American citizenship.
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process through which an immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen. It is available to certain immigrants who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Generally, those eligible for naturalization are green card holders (permanent residents) who have lived in the United States for a specified period and meet other requirements, including good moral character, passing an English language and civics test, and demonstrating a willingness to support the U.S. Constitution.
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is the status granted to someone born to U.S. citizens or to an individual who completes the naturalization process.
As a U.S. citizen, one gains certain rights and privileges that are not available to green card holders.
These include the right to vote in federal elections, eligibility to run for public office, and access to various government assistance programs, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Advantages of becoming a U.S. citizen
Voting Rights
U.S. citizens have the right to cast their votes in federal elections, allowing them to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future through the democratic process.
Eligibility To Run For Office
Citizenship opens the door to opportunities for individuals to seek public office and serve their communities in various capacities.
No More Immigration Forms
As a U.S. citizen, there is no longer a need to go through the immigration paperwork and renewal processes associated with green card status.
New Employment Opportunities
Some federal jobs are exclusively reserved for U.S. citizens, providing better benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
Greater Access To Government Assistance Programs
U.S. citizens have broader access to government assistance programs, which can be crucial during times of need.
No More Deportations
Unlike green card holders, U.S. citizens cannot be deported, ensuring a more secure status in the country.
Ability to Sponsor Relatives For Immigration
U.S. citizens can sponsor certain family members, such as siblings and parents, for lawful permanent residence in the United States.
Automatic Citizenship For Children
Children of U.S. citizens born abroad automatically acquire U.S. citizenship, simplifying the immigration process for future generations.
Timeline for Naturalization
The naturalization process typically takes around 10 months from the time an individual files their citizenship application to attending the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
The timeline may vary depending on the workload of the USCIS office handling the case and other factors. It’s essential to plan and prepare for each step of the process to ensure a smooth and timely application.
Naturalization Cost
The current government filing fee for naturalization applications is $725, which includes $640 for processing and $85 for biometrics services.
However, military applicants are exempt from both the application filing fee and the biometrics fee.
Additionally, applicants aged 75 and older are exempt from the biometrics fee. Understanding the cost involved in the naturalization process is crucial for applicants to budget accordingly.
Eligibility for Naturalization
To be eligible for naturalization, an individual must meet certain criteria, including:
- Having been a green card holder (permanent resident) for 3-5 years, depending on the circumstances, or meeting specific military service requirements.
- Physically residing in the United States for a specified period.
- Demonstrating good moral character and fulfilling other requirements related to the naturalization process.
- Naturalization Requirements:
- In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applicants must satisfy various requirements during the naturalization process, including:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Maintaining continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
- Being able to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Showing a willingness to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
- Registering with the Selective Service System (for male applicants aged 18-25).
- Meeting specific exceptions based on age, disability, and military service.
The Naturalization Process
The naturalization process involves several steps, including:
- Filing the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with the USCIS and paying the required fees.
- Attending a biometrics appointment to have fingerprints taken for a background check.
- Participating in a citizenship interview, where the applicant’s eligibility and knowledge of English and civics are assessed.
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
Benefits of Naturalization
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen comes with numerous benefits, including:
- Voting rights in federal elections, allowing citizens to have a say in the country’s governance.
- Eligibility to run for public office and serve in various government positions.
- Freedom from deportation, providing a secure status in the United States.
- Access to government assistance programs, such as Social Security and Medicare.
- The ability to sponsor certain family members for lawful permanent residence.
- Greater employment opportunities, including eligibility for federal jobs.
- A U.S. passport enables visa-free travel to many countries and provides consular support abroad.
Special Considerations
Applicants should be aware of some special considerations during the naturalization process, such as:
- Renouncing citizenship in other countries if necessary, as not all countries permit dual citizenship.
- The possibility of being called to serve in the military if a draft is reinstated.
- The requirement to file U.S. income tax returns for life, even if living abroad, with certain exclusions available.
- Scrutiny of criminal history and the importance of maintaining good moral character throughout the process.
FAQs
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is the status granted to someone born to U.S. citizens or obtained at the end of a successful naturalization process.
Who is eligible to apply for naturalization?
Eligibility for naturalization depends on various factors, including the length of time as a green card holder, physical presence in the U.S., and military service, among others.
Conclusion
Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen offers several advantages, however, don’t forget that first, you must enter the US as a temporary immigrant, at least for a skilled worker.
On top of that, you must have stayed for at least 5-6 years in the US.
While this may seem like a lot of time to expend, why not begin by getting a job offer from an eligible company in the US? From there, you won’t realize it till you’re all green in the US.