In order to apply for naturalization, the person must first have been living in the United States as a lawful, permanent resident. This means that the person has successfully applied for and received permanent resident status, and must be able to show the I-551 card as proof.

Residency and Physical Presence Requirement

The third requirement deals with both residence and physical presence. The person has to meet several criteria to be eligible. First, they must be a permanent resident. Then they must have had a residence in the United States for five years or more, under their permanent resident status. They cannot leave the US for more than a year during this time. Second, they must have been physically in the United States for thirty of the months of the five years prior to filing for naturalization. Finally, they must have lived in their current state of residence for three or more months.

Character Requirement

The applicant must have good moral character. Essentially, it is easier to define good moral character by what disqualifies an individual:

Committing a moral crime, such as murder.
Convicted of a crime where he or she needed to serve at least five years of prison time.
Breaking controlled substance laws. A simple, single possession of marijuana does not qualify.
Being sent to jail during the period where they are being watched.
Being convicted of two gambling crimes, or gaining income from gambling that is illegal.
Being a prostitute, or working in prostitution.
Being involved in bringing people illegally to the United States.
Being consistently drunk.
Being a polygamist.
Not supporting his or her children, when able to do so.
Lying under oath.

The person's entire criminal history must be revealed to the USCIS when filing for naturalization, no matter what it contains.

Constitutional Requirement

The person applying for naturalization must say that they are in agreement, or attached to, the Constitution of the United States.

Language Requirement

In order to become a naturalized citizen, the applicant needs to understand English. This means that he or she must be able to not only understand English, but also be able to read, write, and speak understandable English. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Those who are over 55 and have lived in the US for 15 years are not required to learn English. Also, those who are over 50 and have lived in the US for 20 years are exempt. Finally, those who are mentally impaired are not required to learn English to become a naturalized citizen.

Government and History Knowledge Requirement

In order to become a citizen, the applicant must have a basic knowledge of US history and government. They are required to take a test to demonstrate this knowledge. The USCIS website has sample questions for those who are nervous about the examination. If the applicant is over 65 and has been living in the US for 20 years, he or she may be exempt from the history test.

Oath Requirement

All naturalized citizens must swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. They will agree to obey United States law, including the Constitution, renounce their allegiance to any other country, give up any foreign title, and serve in the United States military when called upon. The entire oath can be read on the USCIS website.

Final Thoughts on Naturalization

After fulfilling all of the naturalization requirements, the new citizen will undergo the US naturalization ceremony. In this ceremony, he or she will swear to the Oath of Allegiance, and say the Pledge of Allegiance. It is a very moving ceremony for all who are involved.

Those who have US naturalization questions should visit the USCIS website, or contact their US naturalization and immigration services office. While it is not easy to become a US citizen, the United States is a nation made of immigrants and their descendants, so they will always encourage immigration. It is certainly possible to become a naturalized citizen, and the new citizen is treated with all of the respect and service of any natural born citizen.

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