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Citizenship is a special relationship that connects the general public with a common thread of civic ideals, beliefs, rights, and freedom bestowed upon them by the U.S. Constitution. Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions of an immigrant’s life. Depending on the situation, one may acquire citizenship via two processes, namely, naturalization and acquisition.

What is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process of an immigrant becoming a U.S. citizen. An American citizen enjoys several advantages and also has certain responsibilities. Although, not all immigrants can become U.S. citizens. The Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) may be granted citizenship after meeting the essential requirements.

The Benefits of Citizenship

1. Protection from deportation
   U.S. citizenship protects a person and their family from deportation. Certain criminal convictions could make one deportable as a lawful permanent resident. Some actions may put LPRs at risk of permanent consequences, in many cases, deportation.
2. Citizenship for your children
   Children under 18 who qualify as LPRs become U.S. citizens when their parents naturalize. Individuals under 18 cannot apply for naturalization by themselves. Therefore, their parents’ status is transferred to them.
3. Reuniting with family
   U.S. citizens may file immigration petitions with the government to unite with their families. However, LPRs can only file petitions for their spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult daughters and sons.
4. Government Job Opportunities
   Although the U.S. offers work opportunities to everyone, some jobs are available only to U.S. citizens, for instance, the federal government. Additionally, naturalized citizens have better earning opportunities and thus are more economically sound than the LPRs.
5. Freedom to travel
   U.S. citizens enjoy the freedom to travel without any restrictions. They also have the opportunity to seek help and protection from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad in a personal crisis or civil unrest.
6. Ability to vote
   The right to vote is only reserved for U.S. citizens. American citizens have the chance to elect the leaders they consider best to represent themselves, their families, and their communities.
   Citizenship also ensures equal access to essential benefits for older people and people with disabilities. It is true that many immigrants are devoted and strongly rooted in their country of origin. But U.S. citizenship does not mean losing one’s heritage. Given the country of origin, dual citizenship can also preserve one’s heritage while having citizenship in the United States.

Eligibility for Naturalization

Who can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization?
Eligibility for naturalization depends on several factors. However, generally, to be eligible for naturalization –

• The applicant must be 18 years of age or older when filing Form N-400.
• The applicant must be an LPR (Green Cardholder).
• The applicant must demonstrate their continuous permanent residence within the territory of the United States for at least five years. (For three years if the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen.)
• The applicant must show that they have been physically present in the United States for 30 months. (Maybe 18 months if the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen.)
• The applicant must show that they have lived for a minimum of three months in the state or the district where they claim residence.

How to apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Step 1: Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
Anyone who wishes to apply for citizenship must apply for naturalization and pay the filing fee. The applicant may fill the form online or mail a paper application.
90-day early-filing rule: The applicant may submit their N-400 to USCIS as early as 90 days before reaching the three/five years wait period as an LPR, provided all other eligibility requirements are satisfied. However, the applicant might still have to wait to complete the full three/five years to become a U.S. citizen.
Step 2: Biometrics Appointment
Next is the biometrics appointment to get fingerprints taken at the local USCIS field office. The USCIS takes fingerprints of the applicant to run a background check. The appointment is conducted about 30 days after the USCIS receives the naturalization application.
Step 3: Naturalization Interview and Test
The citizenship interview happens approximately 14 months after applying. The time to process the application depends largely on the USCIS field office in charge of the case assigned, based on the ZIP code. A USCIS officer interviews the applicant and verifies all the information provided in the application. The interview is scheduled in the nearest USCIS office. Those applying from abroad are interviewed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
While at the USCIS office, the in-charge will provide the applicant a two-parter naturalization test –
English language test to evaluate the applicant’s written and spoken English skills.
Civics test to assess applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and basic understanding of U.S. government and its functioning.
These tests are easy to prepare for, and USCIS also provides study materials for the test. The applicants get two chances to take the tests for every application – once during the interview and again at any other date to retake any section the applicant didn’t get through the first time.

If the applicant clears the interview and exam, the USCIS officer approves the application by the end of the interview.

If the applicant does not get through the interview and the naturalization exam, the USCIS sends a denial letter to explain such failure. However, one may either appeal their decision or reapply within 30 days of receiving such a letter.

Step 4: Oath of Allegiance
After the application is approved, the applicant is called to attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. The applicant is not considered a U.S. citizen until the Oath of Allegiance is taken. Thus, one should be mindful of not skipping this step.
The oath ceremony’s time, date, and location are communicated via mail after completing the interview and test. The time taken to schedule the ceremony varies by state.
The applicant should submit their green card when checking in. After the ceremony, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Naturalization and, from that point on, shall enjoy the status of a U.S. citizen.