Citizen by Naturalization
There are two ways to become a citizen of the United States. You can either be a U.S. citizen by birth, or you can become a citizen by means of naturalization. Naturalization, in other words, is the way for foreign nationals to acquire U.S. citizenship. The Constitution refers to citizens by birth as “natural born citizens.” Therefore, when you have become a U.S. citizen by naturalization, it is as if you are a natural born citizen.

Every year millions of people choose to become citizens of the United States of America. America was founded by immigration and built by immigrants, and for hundreds of years people from all over the world have left their old lives behind to find new and better ones in the “New World.” Countless people around the globe dream of one day becoming a citizen of the United States of America.

There could be many reasons why someone would want to become a citizen of the United States. Generally speaking, it is more beneficial to be a U.S. citizen rather than just a permanent resident. U.S. citizens are allowed to vote in both federal and local elections, and they are eligible to become elected officials, and to vote in elections. In addition, U.S. citizens are prioritized in terms of bringing family members to the U.S. and, in most cases, children born to U.S. citizens will become U.S. citizens too, even if they are born abroad. Therefore, becoming a citizen will make it easier for immigrants to reunite with family living abroad. A U.S. citizen who is traveling abroad with a U.S. passport is entitled to get help from the U.S. Government while overseas. In other words, if something happens during a trip abroad, those who carry U.S. Passports can turn to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and receive assistance. Becoming a citizen even brings benefits in terms of job opportunities, as most Government Agency jobs are for U.S. citizens only.

In addition to all other benefits, for many, becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to show patriotism and commitment to the country they chose to live in, and for which they have given up their old countries and their past lives.

Because the U.S. is believed by many to be one of the greatest countries in the world to live in, there are many who want to make it their new home. However, even though millions become naturalized every year, there are even more who don’t. U.S. citizenship is not available to everybody. There are a number of criteria that a would-be citizen must meet in order to qualify for U.S. citizenship. Even for those who meet the criteria, the path to naturalization can still be long.

Generally speaking, you must be 18 or older to apply for citizenship, and most who want to become citizens must live in the U.S. for at least five years as permanent residents before they are eligible to apply. Even then, far from all who apply for citizenship will be approved. Applicants need to demonstrate “good moral character,” be able to show that they can read, write, and speak English, and should have some knowledge of the history and principles of the United States Government. In addition, new citizens must have “Attachment to the Constitution.” By taking the Oath of Allegiance, new Americans renounce all foreign allegiances and promise to support and defend the United States Constitution, and even to go to war for their new country if necessary.

Those who want to become citizens of the United States must apply for citizenship with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting the form “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400). Applying for naturalization can be a lengthy process, and the time it takes varies depending on the location where the application is filed. The USCIS is currently undergoing modernization and their goal is that the processing time will shorten in the future to an average of about six months from filing the application. If the applicant is granted naturalization by the USCIS, he or she can become a U.S. citizen after taking the Oath of Allegiance during a formal ceremony.