Question: How does one become a citizen?

How does one become a citizen?

If you are born in the United States, you are automatically a citizen. For immigrants, the process to become a citizen is called naturalization. People can qualify for naturalization if they:

1. Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years, so long as a person has been present in the US for 30 months. Or, one can be eligible if married for 3 years to a citizen.

2. Are over 18 years old at the time of filing.

3. Are able to read, speak, and write English, and have a knowledge of American history and civics/government.

4. Are of good moral character.

NOTE: There are those who are not citizens, yet are living in the country. The government calls these people aliens. They can’t vote, though they are required to pay taxes. In recent years, Congress has been working on a process which will provide a path to citizenship for aliens.

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