Citizenship

Naturalization is the process a foreign citizen or national obtains American citizenship after fulfilling the requirements set out by the government of the United States. Up on acceptance, you will be fully entitled to most benefits of American citizenship. The general requirements for naturalization include:

  • Continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
  • Residence in a particular USCIS District before filing
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English
  • Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
  • Good moral character
  • Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
  • Favorable view toward the United States.

For your general information, BizLegalServices answers many of your frequently asked questions as follows:

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY APPLICATION?
The time it takes to appear for an interview varies anywhere from 5 months to more than 2 years depending on the location of your filing. The swearing-in ceremony to receive the Naturalization certificate will take place from 1 to 180 days after the interview. In exceptional case the swearing-in may take up to two years.

CAN MY FAMILY MEMBERS BECOME CITIZENS?
If your family members have been granted permanent residence with you or after you, they can qualify for citizenship. They must, however, meet all other conditions required for citizenship.

HOW DOES MY ADOPTED CHILD QUALIFY?
Your adopted child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship on the date that all of the following requirements are satisfied:

  • At least one adoptive parent is a U.S. citizen,
  • The child is under 18 years of age,
  • There is a full and final adoption of the child, and
  • The child is admitted to the United States as an immigrant

DO I LOSE MY CITIZENSHIP?
The Immigration and Nationality Act contains a list of acts that cause the loss of one’s U.S. citizenship. You may lose your citizenship if you, among others

  • Willfully reject your citizenship
  • If your naturalization occurred due to fraud or misrepresentation
  • If you are a danger to the national security of the United States

ACQUISITION OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP BY A CHILD BORN ABROAD
Birth abroad to two U.S. Citizen Parents in Wedlock:
A child born abroad to two U.S. citizen parents acquires U.S. citizenship at birth under § 301(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Birth Abroad to One Citizen and One Alien Parent in Wedlock:
A child born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent and one alien parent acquires U.S. citizenship at birth under § 301(g) INA provided the citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. for the time period required by the law applicable at the time of the child’s birth. For birth on or after November 14, 1986, a period of five years physical presence, two after the age of fourteen is required.

Birth Abroad out-of-Wedlock to a U.S. Citizen Father:
A child born abroad out-of-wedlock to a U.S. citizen father may acquire U.S. citizenship under § 301(g) INA, as made applicable by § 309(a) INA provided:

  1. A blood relationship between the applicant and the father is established by clear and convincing evidence;
  2. The father had the nationality of the United States at the time of the applicant’s birth;
  3. The father (unless deceased) had agreed in writing to provide financial support for the person until the applicant reaches the age of 18 years, and
  4. While the person is under the age of 18 years — (a) applicant is legitimated under the law of their residence or domicile; (b) father acknowledges paternity of the person in writing under oath, or; (c) the paternity of the applicant is established by adjudication court.