Naturalization

• Overview
• What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization?
• When can I apply for naturalization?
• Help with Naturalization

Overview

Individuals who have been permanent residents for five years (three years for spouses of U.S. citizens), have only met one requirement for naturalization. Other eligibility factors include being physically present in the U.S. for at least half the required period (18 months for spouses of U.S. citizens and 30 months for others) and never taking a single trip abroad for more than one year. Military personnel and their spouses may also qualify for expedited naturalization and other benefits. Additional criteria are outlined in the Guide to Naturalization. Applicants should not rely on the brief summaries provided in this publication and should consult an experienced immigration attorney for specific questions regarding naturalization eligibility.

U.S. citizenship provides many rights, but also involves many responsibilities. Thus, the decision to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization is important. In most cases, a person who wants to naturalize must first be a permanent resident. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights that permanent residents or others do not have, including the right to vote. To be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements set by U.S. law.

The naturalization process concludes with an oath ceremony, where applicants are sworn in as citizens. The Oath of Allegiance states:

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

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What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization?

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:

• Be age 18 or older;
• Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years but less for some individuals);Be a person of good moral character;
• Have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government;
• Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; and
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. There are exceptions to this rule for someone who:
• Is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or
• Is 50 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or
• Has a permanent physical or mental impairment that makes the individual unable to fulfill these requirements.

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When can I apply for naturalization?

You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the United States:

• For at least 5 years; or
• For at least 3 years during which time you have been, and continue to be, married to and living in a marriage relationship with your U.S. citizen spouse; or
• While currently serving honorably in the U.S. military, with at least 1 year of service, and you apply for citizenship while in the military, or within 6 months of discharge.

Certain spouses of U.S. citizens, and those who served in the U.S. military during a past war or are serving currently in combat may be able to file for naturalization sooner than noted above.

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Help with Naturalization

D.Ray Mantle assists individuals in obtaining positive citizenship and naturalization results in a timely, personal and professional manner. Your individual circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney to determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your case, prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that your final application meets all government requirements. Learn more about how an experienced immigration attorney can help you reach your citizenship goals: Why MantleWorks.

If you would like to understand more about the application process and to find out if you qualify for U.S. citizenship, please contact D.Ray Mantle for a consultation.

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