Application to Citizenship

What are the Benefits and Responsibilities of becoming a U.S. Citizen
Being a U.S. Citizen will provide you with many benefits such as:

• U.S. Passport: Having a U.S. passport brings many advantages including, but not limited to, being able to travel to over one-hundred and seventy-four (174) countries without needing to apply for a visa.
• Assistance from U.S. Embassies and Consulates: When traveling abroad consular officials can provide resources and legal aid. The U.S. Government may even intervene on the person’s behalf in the event of incarceration.
• The right to vote: You will have the right to take part in the U.S. national elections.
• Run for public office: As a U.S. Citizen, you will have the right to run for elected public offices.
• Great job opportunities: You will be able to work anywhere in the United States.
• Freedom to travel: U.S. Citizens, unlike Permanent Residents, do not have to maintain a residence in the U.S., they have the right to travel and stay in a foreign country as long as they wish and return at any given time.
• No deportation: As an American Citizen, you cannot be deported.
• Social benefits: You will be assigned a Social Security Number and have access to Medicare.
• Citizenship for children under the age of 18: All underaged children of naturalized American citizens will automatically receive U.S. Citizenship.
• Sponsor close relatives: As a U.S. Citizen you may sponsor your parents, children over the age of 18 (married or unmarried) and siblings to apply for Permanent Residence without having to wait for a visa.

Being a U.S. citizen also comes with some important responsibilities:

• Give up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty
• Swear allegiance to the United States
• Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States
• Participate in the democratic process by registering and voting on elections
• Serve the country when required
• Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws
• Serve on a jury when required
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

To become a U.S. citizen you will need to complete form N-400, but first you must make sure you are eligible. You are eligible to apply for citizenship through the naturalization process if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are a Green Cardholder
• Are able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
• Have lived for at least 3 months in the state where you will apply
• You have not spent more than one year at a time outside the U.S.
• Have resided continuously in the United States for at least 5 years as a permanent resident immediately preceding the date of filing your application
• Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing your application
• Are a person of good moral character