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WHO IS A CITIZEN AND WHO
CAN BECOME A UNITED STATES CITIZEN?
INDIVIDUALS CAN BECOME
U.S. CITIZENS IN TWO WAYS: BIRTH OR
NATURALIZATION
First, citizenship is
acquired automatically by being born in the
United States or by being born in another
country and having parents who are U.S. citizens
or U.S. nationals.
When a person is born
outside the United States, the presumption is
that the person is NOT a U.S. citizen. The
person claiming U.S. citizenship has the duty to
provide adequate evidence of their U.S.
citizenship.
WHAT MUST BE SHOWN TO
PROVE U.S. CITIZENSHIP?
-
Primary evidence of
citizenship is an official birth certificate.
-
Secondary evidence of
citizenship can be:
Hospital birth record,
or
Baptismal certificate,
or
Census record, or
School records, or
Affidavit from person
with first-hand knowledge of the person's birth,
and
Other government
documents stating the facts of the birth.
Second, by acquiring
citizenship through the application process
called "Naturalization".
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
FOR NATURALIZATION?
-
Generally, applicants
must be at least 18 years old. There are some
exceptions to this general rule.
-
Generally, applicants
must have maintained lawful permanent resident
status for:
Five (5) years
immediately before applying for naturalization.
Naturalization applications are accepted three
(3) months prior to the five-year anniversary of
the grant of permanent residence.
Three (3) years
immediately before applying for naturalization
if married to and residing with a United States
citizen spouse. Applicants filing under the
three-year rule are also able to file three (3)
months early.
WHAT ELSE IS REQUIRED?
-
A thorough criminal
background check.
-
A verbal, written and
reading exam of the English language.
-
A test of basic United
States history.
-
Good moral character.
A naturalized citizen has the same rights and
responsibilities as a native born citizen with
one exception. Only a native born U.S. citizen
can become President of the United States!
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