The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.
Citizens of the United States are entitled to live and work permanently in the U.S., vote in U.S. elections, serve on juries and hold a U.S. passport. U.S. citizens can sponsor their spouse, unmarried children under age 21, and parents as immediate relatives. These relatives do not have to wait for a visa number to become current. An individual may acquire U.S. citizenship in a variety of ways, i.e., either at birth or after birth:
Citizenship at birth:
Citizenship after birth:
Citizenship at birth:
- Birth in the U.S. – Children born in the U.S. are automatically U.S. citizens, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.
- Birth outside the U.S. to U.S. citizen parents – Certain children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents are automatically citizens of the U.S.
Citizenship after birth:
- Naturalization of a parent – A child born outside the U.S. may automatically become a U.S. citizen if one parent becomes U.S. citizens prior to the child’s 18th birthday. (“derived” or “acquired” citizenship through parents)
- Adoption by U.S. citizen parents – Certain children adopted and in the physical custody of their U.S. citizen parents for at least two years may acquire U.S. citizenship. The child must be under the age of 16 at the time of the legal adoption.
- 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. The general rule is that anyone over the age of 18 who has been a legal permanent resident alien for at least five (5) years; or three (3) years or more as the spouse of a U.S. citizen; or have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces, may apply for naturalization. The applicant must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years prior to the date of filing of the application and must have resided for at least three months within the state in which the application is filed. The applicant must demonstrate good moral character, be attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, be willing to bear arms on behalf of the U.S. or perform other work of national importance, and must not otherwise be barred from naturalizing, e.g., as having committed an aggravated felony. The applicant must demonstrate a basic ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language. The applicant must also pass a short oral or written test on the history and government of the U.S. Finally, the applicant must be interviewed in person by an USCIS officer. If the applicant is approved for naturalization, the applicant will attend a public ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. After taking the oath, the applicant will return the green card to the USCIS and receive a certificate of citizenship. This certificate of citizenship can be used to obtain a U.S. passport. You can now rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship.