Citizenship and Naturalization
Becoming a citizen is way to show your commitment to the United States and loyalty to the Constitution. It is an extremely important decision, and, if successful, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges associated with United States citizenship. Basically, there are three ways to obtain United States citizenship: 1) Birth in the United States, 2) Acquisition by birth abroad to United States citizen parents, or 3) Naturalization.
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).Generally, lawful permanent residents that are eighteen (18) years or older, and who meet all the eligibility requirements found in the INA, may submit form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be 18 or older
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (3 years for spouses) preceding filing the application
- Have lived within the state, or USCIS district, for at least 3 months prior
- Have continuous residence in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 5 years preceding filing the application
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
- Reside continuously with the U.S. from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization
- Be able to pass the Naturalization Test
- Be a person of good moral character
At Sever-Storey, LLP, we help immigrants prepare the required documentation to become United States citizens through naturalization. We also help aspiring citizens prepare for taking the naturalization test by providing educational materials and other helpful resources. The naturalization test asks that aspiring citizens demonstrate they are able to read, write, and speak basic English and that they have a cursory understanding of U.S. history and government.
Also, recent changes in the law have made it much easier for US military personnel to naturalize. If you are a member of the armed forces and wish to become a United States citizen, give the attorneys at Sever-Storey, LLP a phone call.
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