Becoming an American Citizen

Residents of the United States can be aliens, nationals, or citizens. Resident Aliens are people who have emigrated from a foreign country. They have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in elections.

American nationals are natives of American territorial possessions. They have all the legal protections which citizens have. They do not have the full political rights of U.S. citizens.

Persons born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizens in foreign countries, are automatically citizens of the United States.

Persons born in other countries who want to become citizens must apply for and pass a citizenship test. Those who become citizens in this manner are naturalized citizens. There are three steps in this process:

1. File an application asking for biographical information about the person.
2. Take a naturalization examination about knowledge of U.S. government and history.
3. Appear for a court hearing before a judge and asks to become a U.S. citizen. A person must meet certain requirements:

* Be at least 18 years old
* Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years
* Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S.
* Be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English
* Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history, government structure and the Constitution of the U.S.
* Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.