Naturalization
The ultimate goal for many immigrants is to become a U.S. citizen. Individuals
who have been permanent residents for five years (three years for spouses of
U.S. citizens), have only met one requirement for naturalization.
What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization?
Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:
- Be age 18 or older;
- Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years but less
for some individuals);
- Be a person of good moral character;
- Have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government;
- Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United
States; and
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. There are exceptions to this
rule for someone who:
- Is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or
- Is 50 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or
- Has a permanent physical or mental impairment that makes the individual unable
to fulfill these requirements.
Other eligibility factors include being physically present in the U.S. for at
least half the required period (18 months for spouses of U.S. citizens and 30
months for others) and never taking a single trip abroad for more than one year.
Military personnel and their spouses may also qualify for expedited
naturalization and other benefits.
Additional criteria are outlined in the
Guide to
Naturalization. Applicants should not rely on the brief summaries provided
in this publication and should consult an experienced immigration attorney for
specific questions regarding naturalization eligibility.
When can I apply for naturalization?
You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age
and have been a permanent resident of the United States:
- For at least 5 years; or
- For at least 3 years during which time you have been, and continue to be,
married to and living in a marriage relationship with your U.S. citizen spouse;
or
- While currently serving honorably in the U.S. military, with at least 1 year of
service, and you apply for citizenship while in the military, or within 6 months
of discharge.
What can I expect during the interview?
The naturalization interview includes a detailed review of your application and
a test of your knowledge of U.S. history and civics. Throughout the
interview, the officer will also be testing your English skills.
Watch a video from USCIS to see how a typical interview is conducted.
Oath of Citizenship
U.S. citizenship includes several important obligations. The
naturalization process concludes with an oath ceremony, where applicants make
the following promises:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure
all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or
sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I
will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of
America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith
and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States
when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed
Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work
of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and
that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of
evasion; so help me God.
Help with Citizenship
D.Ray Mantle assists individuals in obtaining positive citizenship and
naturalization results in a timely, personal and professional manner. Your
individual circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration
attorney to determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides
guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your
case, prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that
your final application meets all government requirements.
If you would like to understand more about the application process and to find
out if you qualify for U.S. citizenship, please contact D.Ray Mantle for a consultation.