Citizenship and Naturalization

• What is Citizenship?
• What is Naturalization?
• Benefits of Citizenship
• Eligibility
• Assistance Applying for Citizenship

What is Citizenship?

A citizen is a person who owes loyalty to a particular nation, and is entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of that country.  U.S. citizens have certain rights and benefits not available to permanent residents or other noncitizens. 

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process used by immigrants to become citizens of the United States.  If you were not born a citizen of the U.S., you may chose to become a citizen through naturalization.  Citizenship is a lifetime benefit bestowed upon you. 

Benefits of Citizenship

As a citizen, you get unique rights and privileges.  Citizens have the right to vote in U.S. elections, and choose their representatives in local, state and federal government.  Citizens also have more privileges when applying for immigration benefits for their family members.  Citizens may also obtain a U.S. passport, and may request the U.S. government's protection when traveling abroad.  As a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported or lose your citizenship even if you commit a crime or choose to live elsewhere in the world, unless you misrepresented yourself to get citizenship or were ineligible at the time of filing.  Citizens may pass their citizenship to their children even if the child is born in a foreign country, under certain circumstances.

Eligibility for Naturalization

An applicant for naturalization must be admitted to the United States as a "lawful permanent resident," commonly referred to as having a "green card."  You may be eligible to become a U.S. citizen if you meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 18 years old.  Children of permanent residents who are seeking naturalization may become U.S. citizens with their parents;
• You have held lawful permanent resident status for five years.  You may apply after only three years if you obtained permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen;
• You have maintained continuous residence in the United States for five years, or three years if you obtained permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen;
• You were physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the five years, or half of the three years if you obtained permanent residency through a U.S. citizen spouse; and,
• You must show that you are a person of good moral character.

You can read more information about the naturalization requirements for U.S. citizenship.

Assistance Applying for Citizenship

If you would like assistance applying for U.S. citizenship, please contact Peng & Weber.