Understanding U.S. citizenship is essential for anyone looking to become a citizen. This can be achieved primarily through two avenues: birthright citizenship and naturalization, each with its own rules, rights, and responsibilities. In this article, we’ll explore these key aspects and clarify common misunderstandings about the various types of U.S. citizenship.
Birthright
A simple way to become a citizen is by being born on American soil or in one of its territories also so if you were born in certain places like Puerto Rico or Guam, you could still become a citizen if at least one of your parents is a citizen who spent a year in the country before you were born.
Citizen Parents
This is called the acquisition of citizenship and also applies to children born abroad to American parents.
The rules change over time, so it depends on the laws in place when you were born and when your parents or grandparents became citizens.
Naturalization
This involves applying and taking a test to show your commitment to the U.S. and its values. Once it’s done you can vote, run for office, and add to the diverse tapestry of the culture.
Naturalization of Parents
Requirements for Naturalization
To qualify for naturalization, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Permanent Residency: Must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Continuous Residence: Must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. during the required period, meaning they should not have taken trips outside the U.S. lasting six months or longer without maintaining ties to their residence.
- Physical Presence: Must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period (30 months out of five years or 18 months out of three years).
- Good Moral Character: Must show good moral character during the residency period, which includes not having certain criminal convictions5.
- English Proficiency: Must be able to read, write, and speak basic English, unless exempt due to age or disability.
- Civics Knowledge: Must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government through a civics test.
- Oath of Allegiance: Must take an oath of allegiance to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
Proving Your Citizenship
Seeking Legal Guidance
An immigration attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a citizen and make sure you have all the right documents.
By knowing your options and understanding the rules, you can confidently embrace your American identity along with its rights and responsibilities. If you need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact a legal expert. Citizenship is a privilege, and being informed empowers you to make the most.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the United States straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Naturalization Visa (Form N-400) or an Employment-Based Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the U.S. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
