Everything You Need to Know About Naturalization in the United States
Naturalization is a fundamental process for many immigrants who wish to become citizens of the United States. Through this article, we will provide an overview of this process and clarify some common questions.
What is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the procedure by which an immigrant officially becomes a U.S. citizen. If a person was not born in the U.S. or did not obtain their citizenship through their parents abroad, they can opt for this process to acquire U.S. nationality.
Dual Citizenship
It’s essential to mention that being a U.S. citizen does not deprive you of maintaining citizenship in your country of origin. Many countries, including the United States, allow dual citizenship, meaning you can be a citizen of both countries simultaneously.
Rights and Obligations of a Citizen
Upon becoming a citizen, various rights are acquired, such as the right to vote and the possibility of having a U.S. passport. However, these also come with obligations, such as respecting and adhering to the Constitution of the United States.
Requirements for Naturalization
- Residency: It’s essential to be a resident first, either for 3 years (if you obtained your residency by marrying a U.S. citizen) or 5 years in other cases.
- Physical Presence: You must have lived in the district where you reside for at least 3 months before applying for naturalization.
- Moral Character: It’s necessary to have good behavior and moral character.
- Knowledge: You must know the English language, the form of government, and the history of the United States.
Exceptions in the Process
There are some exceptions for those who, due to their age or disability, cannot meet all the standard requirements. For example, some older individuals can take exams in their native language. Additionally, those with certain medical disabilities may receive an exception for the English exam.
Derived Citizenship for Children
A crucial aspect is that if one of the parents becomes a citizen and has children under 18 who are already permanent residents, these children can automatically derive citizenship from their parents.
Conclusion
Naturalization is a valuable process that opens many doors for immigrants in the United States. If you are considering this path or have more questions, we recommend consulting with an expert on the subject. You can contact us at Abogados Centro Legal at 205 940 2233 or through our platforms on YouTube and Facebook for more information. You can also schedule your consultation.
