Becoming a United States citizen is a significant milestone for immigrants. Citizenship provides many benefits, including the right to vote, obtain a US passport, and work for the US government. However, before someone can become a US citizen, they must meet specific requirements. In this article, we will discuss the five requirements to become a US citizen in detail.
Age
The first requirement to become a US citizen is age. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing their citizenship application. However, if an applicant is under the age of 18 and has a US citizen parent, they may automatically become a US citizen through a process called “derivation of citizenship.” This process allows children under 18 to acquire citizenship automatically if they meet specific criteria, such as being a permanent resident and residing in the US with their US citizen parent.
Permanent Residency
The second requirement to become a US citizen is permanent residency. Applicants must have been a legal permanent resident (LPR) of the US for at least five years before applying for citizenship. However, if an applicant is married to a US citizen, they may apply for citizenship after three years of being an LPR. To obtain permanent residency, an individual must apply for a green card, which grants them legal permanent resident status in the US. The green card must remain valid throughout the naturalization process.
Good Moral Character
The third requirement to become a US citizen is good moral character. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character for the five years preceding their citizenship application. Good moral character is a legal term that refers to an individual’s conduct and actions. Some actions that could prevent an applicant from demonstrating good moral character include committing a crime, failing to pay taxes, or engaging in dishonest behavior. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a willingness to follow US laws and support the US Constitution.
English Language Proficiency
The fourth requirement to become a US citizen is English language proficiency. Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will test applicants’ English language proficiency during the citizenship interview. Applicants may also be required to demonstrate an understanding of US history and government.
Civics Test
The fifth requirement to become a US citizen is passing the civics test. The civics test is an exam that tests applicants’ knowledge of US history and government. Applicants must answer at least six out of ten questions correctly to pass the civics test. The USCIS provides study materials to help applicants prepare for the civics test. However, some applicants may be eligible for an exemption from the civics test, such as those who are over the age of 65 and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years.
Becoming a US citizen is a significant accomplishment that requires meeting specific requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have been a legal permanent resident of the US for at least five years, demonstrate good moral character, be proficient in English, and pass the civics test. By understanding these requirements, individuals can prepare themselves for the naturalization process and work towards achieving their goal of becoming a US citizen.
