Process of becoming a U.S. citizen, including eligibility requirements and application process.
Citizenship: Understanding the definition of citizenship and how it applies in the context of naturalization is the foundational topic for learning about naturalization.
Eligibility for Naturalization: This topic covers the requirements an applicant must meet in order to be eligible for naturalization, including length of residency, age, and lawful permanent resident status.
Application Process: Understanding the steps involved in the naturalization application process, including filing fees, documentation, and interviews, is essential.
English and Civics Tests: In order to become a naturalized citizen, applicants must pass an English proficiency and a civics exam.
Good Moral Character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character in order to be eligible for naturalization, and this includes disclosing any criminal history or prior deportation orders.
The Naturalization Ceremony: The final step in the naturalization process is the naturalization ceremony, which is a symbolic event where applicants take an oath of allegiance to the United States.
Dual Citizenship: Some countries allow for dual citizenship, but others do not. Understanding how this works and the potential implications is an important topic.
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions: If an individual has a criminal conviction, it may impact their ability to naturalize or even result in deportation. This topic explores the potential consequences of criminal convictions in naturalization.
Immigration Fraud: Unfortunately, some individuals prey on those seeking naturalization through fraudulent means. Learning how to avoid immigration fraud is critical in the naturalization process.
Removal and Deportation: Understanding the potential risks of removal or deportation is important for naturalization applicants, especially those with prior immigration violations or criminal convictions.
Regular Naturalization: This is the most common form of naturalization and it is available to individuals who meet the requirements for citizenship based on their time living in the United States, English language proficiency, and knowledge of civics and history.
Early Naturalization: This form of naturalization is available to individuals who have served in the United States military or who are married to a U.S. citizen and have lived in the United States for at least three years.
Child Naturalization: This is available to children who are under 18 years old and have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen.
Political Asylum Naturalization: This form of naturalization is available to individuals who have been granted political asylum in the United States.
Refugee Naturalization: This form of naturalization is available to individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United States.
Derivative Naturalization: This form of naturalization is available to the spouse, parents, or children under 18 of a U.S. citizen who has met the requirements for naturalization.
Military Naturalization: This form of naturalization is available to members of the U.S. military who have served on active duty for at least one year and have met other eligibility requirements.
Special Naturalization: This form of naturalization is available to individuals who have special circumstances that qualify them for citizenship, such as individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war or emergencies.
Retention of Citizenship: This form of naturalization allows children who were born outside the United States to retain their U.S. citizenship if certain requirements are met.