U.S. Citizenship – English Version

United States law permits multiple citizenship but be careful to check the laws of your country whether it also allows multiple citizenships.

U.S. Citizenship by Birth

U.S. citizenship is automatically granted to individuals born in the United States or its outlying possessions, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, under the principle of jus soli (right of the soil). This applies regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status.

Children born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent can acquire U.S. citizenship at birth, provided the parent meets specific residency or physical presence requirements in the U.S. before the child’s birth. This ensures that children of U.S. citizens, whether born domestically or abroad, are granted the full rights and protections under U.S. law from birth. It is strongly recommended that the U.S. parent obtains a CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) from the U.S. consulate or embassy before the child reaches age 18. We can assist you with this.

U.S. Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is a multi-step process. Initially, we determine your eligibility, which requires, among other things, being a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR or Green Card holder) for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen. Special eligibility criteria apply to certain groups, such as members of the U.S. military, spouses of U.S. citizens working abroad, and children of U.S. citizens born abroad. You must also have good moral character and meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements. The process requires submitting an application form, attending a biometrics appointment and a citizenship interview with an immigration officer. If approved, you will be invited to a naturalization ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of naturalization.

Certificate of Citizenship

The most common proof of U.S. citizenship is a birth certificate indicating that an individual was born in the United States or its outlying possessions. However, a Certificate of Citizenship is required for individuals born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents, who did not obtain a CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) and need evidence of their U.S. citizenship. This certificate proves to the U.S. government that you are a U.S. citizen, even though you were not born in the United States.

This also applies to a child born abroad to foreign parents, where one or both of the child’s parents was naturalized as a U.S. citizen while the child was still a minor. Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, a child born abroad to foreign parents may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if they are under the age of 18, reside as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and live in the legal and physical custody of a parent who naturalizes as a U.S. citizen. In such cases, a Certificate of Citizenship is required as proof of status and is often necessary for applying for a U.S. passport or other official documentation.

Renouncing U.S. Citizenship

Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a serious and irrevocable act. It involves multiple steps and can be very expensive.

If you renounce your U.S. citizenship and do not already possess a foreign nationality, you may be rendered stateless.

Renouncing your U.S. citizenship may or may not have an effect on your U.S. tax or military service obligations as well as any still ongoing criminal proceedings.

Benefits of the U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen provides numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections, which allows you to participate fully in the democratic process.
U.S. citizens can also apply for a U.S. passport, which facilitates international travel and provides access to U.S. consular services abroad.
In terms of employment, certain jobs that require U.S. citizenship become available to you. Also, only a U.S. citizen has the right to hold public or elective office.
U.S. citizens can apply for government welfare benefits and financial assistance, as well as aid for food, housing, and health insurance.
As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor relatives for immigration into the U.S. more easily, thereby facilitating family reunification.
As a U.S. citizen, you gain several protections and rights that are not available to non-citizens. One of the most important protections is immunity from deportation. Unlike green card holders, U.S. citizens cannot be deported from the country, even if they commit certain crimes such as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). Conversely, U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry into the United States.
U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad have access to assistance from U.S. consulates and embassies. This could prove vital in case of a crime, arrest, death or emergency in a foreign country.
Traveling in some foreign countries is easier for U.S. citizens due to bilateral agreements.
U.S citizens can leave the United States and live in another country for as long as they want. Green Card holders however, are found to have abandoned their U.S residence and lose lawful resident status if they spend too much time abroad.
Green Card holders (LPR – Lawful Permanent Residence) have to renew their green cards every ten years and pay a filing fee of several hundred dollars (Form I-90). U.S Citizens never have to renew their citizenship status.

Some Disadvantages

Applying for naturalization could have the end result of an applicant having his/her green card revoked or even be deported from the United States, if negative information on their application or USCIS background check comes to surface.
Several countries don’t allow ownership of property by foreign owners, including U.S. citizens. This can result in the loss of property upon naturalization in the United States.
A person obtaining U.S. citizenship after birth may lose citizenship in their home country, as some countries do not allow for dual or multiple citizenships.

U.S. Citizenship: Eligibility and Application Process

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a significant legal process that grants individuals the rights and responsibilities associated with U.S. citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for naturalization, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Exceptions to the age requirement may apply in limited cases, such as for children of U.S. citizens seeking derivative citizenship.
Applicants must demonstrate their status as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs or Greencard Holders). This requires holding a Green Card for at least 5 years, or 3 years if the applicant is married to and residing with a U.S. citizen.
Continuous residence within the United States is required for the applicable eligibility period. Interruptions, extended absences and multiple successive travels abroad may jeopardize eligibility for U.S. citizenship and possibly affect green card status.
In Addition, applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the five years preceding the application. For spouses of U.S. citizens, this requirement is reduced to 18 months out of the three years preceding the application.
The applicant must also reside for at least three months in the USCIS district that processes the application.
The most important requirement an applicant must prove is that he/she has a Good Moral Character (GMC). GMC means character which measures up to the standards of average citizens of the community in which the applicant resides. Certain criminal offenses or fraudulent conduct may disqualify individuals from eligibility.
Applicants are required to read, write, and speak basic English. Additionally, they must pass a civics test that evaluates their knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Application Process

The naturalization process is comprehensive and consists of several steps. Each stage requires careful preparation and attention to detail.
The first step is completing the application for Naturalization. This form requires applicants to provide accurate personal, employment, and immigration history. Supporting documentation, including proof of lawful permanent resident status and evidence of continuous residence, must be submitted with the application.
The completed application and required fees must be submitted to USCIS. For some applicants a fee waiver is available.
After submission, USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment to collect the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This information is used for background checks.
Applicants are required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During this interview, the officer reviews the application and tests the applicant’s English proficiency and civics knowledge.
Following the interview, USCIS will issue a decision. If approved, the applicant is scheduled to attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony, the final step in the naturalization process.
At the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, applicants officially become U.S. citizens. They must surrender their green card and will receive a Certificate of Naturalization.

Exceptions and Accommodations

Certain applicants may qualify for exceptions or accommodations to the naturalization requirements, particularly the English language and civics test components. These exceptions are designed to assist individuals who face challenges due to age, disability, or other specific circumstances.

Applicants who are aged 50 or older at the time of filing and have lived in the United States as lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years are exempt from the English language requirement. Similarly, those aged 55 or older with at least 15 years of permanent residency are also exempt from the English requirement. While these applicants are not required to demonstrate English proficiency, they must still take the civics test, which can be administered in their native language.

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