U.S. CITIZENSHIP
Most people born in the United States are U.S. citizens simply by virtue of their birth in
the United States or certain incorporated territories. Others acquire U.S. citizenship if
they are born abroad, so long as one or both parents are U.S. citizens.
Still others – minors, for example — can obtain U.S. citizenship when one of the minor’s
parents naturalizes. If one parent is a citizen by birth or naturalization; the child is under
18; the child is a green card holder; and the child is in the United States in the legal and
physical custody of the citizen parent, then the child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen
immediately upon the grant of lawful permanent residency. In such a situation, there are
two ways to obtain proof of U.S. citizenship: apply for a certificate of citizenship from the
USCIS; or apply for a U.S. passport directly with the U.S. Department of State.
U.S. citizenship can also be obtained by naturalization. The criteria to for naturalization
include:
green card status for a minimum of 5 years (3 if married to a U.S. citizen);- 18 years of age, at minimum; residence for at least 3 months in the state one is residing in when the petition is
filed;
- presence in the United States for at least 2 ½ years plus 1 day out of the 5 years
- before the filing of the application; or 1 ½ years plus 1 day if eligible to apply as a
spouse of a U.S. citizen;
- continuous residence in the United States good moral character for 5 years prior to the filing of the application (3 years if
married to a US citizen;
- passing score in the history/civics examination; English language competency;
- a willingness to bear arms or perform noncombat service or work of national
importance if and when asked; and
- a commitment to uphold the principles of the Constitution.
Check out this video produced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for more
information.* Click on the above links and you will be taken to a separate website.