Introduction
Becoming a naturalized citizen is a significant milestone in the life of an immigrant. It grants individuals the same rights and privileges as those born in the United States, including the right to vote and the ability to run for public office. However, not everyone is eligible for naturalization. In this article, we will discuss the various individuals who can become naturalized citizens and the requirements they must meet.
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
One of the most common paths to naturalization is for lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders. Lawful permanent residents must meet the following requirements to become naturalized citizens:
– Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
– Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years
– Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years
– Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years preceding the application
– Be a person of good moral character
– Pass a civics and English test
If an individual is married to a U.S. citizen, they may be eligible for naturalization after being a lawful permanent resident for only 3 years.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. citizens can qualify for naturalization under the expedited 3-year rule if they meet the following requirements:
– Be a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years
– Have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for the 3-year period
– The U.S. citizen spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the entire 3-year period
– Be living in marital union with the U.S. citizen spouse at the time of filing the application and up until the time of naturalization
Members of the U.S. Military
Members of the U.S. military, including those who are currently serving and those who have been honorably discharged, may be eligible for expedited naturalization. The following groups of individuals in the U.S. military are eligible for naturalization:
– Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces
– Selected reserve of the Ready Reserve
– Spouses of U.S. citizen service members who died while on active duty
– Military personnel who served in designated periods of hostilities and were honorably discharged
Service members may be eligible for naturalization regardless of their immigration status, and they have certain expedited processing options available to them.
Children of U.S. Citizens
Some children born outside of the United States to U.S. citizen parents may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. However, for those who do not acquire citizenship at birth, they may be eligible for naturalization if they meet the following requirements:
– Have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, whether by birth or naturalization
– Be under the age of 18 at the time of filing
– Be a lawful permanent resident
Children of U.S. citizens may qualify for naturalization through their parents’ citizenship status.
Refugees and Asylees
Refugees and asylees are individuals who have been granted legal status in the United States due to a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. These individuals may be eligible for naturalization if they meet the following requirements:
– Have had legal status as a refugee or asylee for at least 1 year
– Have been physically present in the United States for at least 1 year after being admitted as a refugee or granted asylum
– Demonstrate good moral character
– Pass a civics and English test
Refugees and asylees have unique paths to naturalization based on their legal status in the United States.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the specific categories mentioned above, there are various other factors that can affect an individual’s eligibility for naturalization. Some of these factors include:
– Criminal history
– Immigration violations
– Tax delinquency
– Selective service registration (for males aged 18-25)
– Continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
It is essential for individuals seeking naturalization to review their unique circumstances and understand how these factors may impact their eligibility.
Conclusion
Becoming a naturalized citizen is a goal for many immigrants in the United States. It not only bestows the rights and privileges of citizenship but also represents a deep commitment to the country. The individuals mentioned in this article, including lawful permanent residents, spouses of U.S. citizens, members of the U.S. military, children of U.S. citizens, and refugees and asylees, may all have pathways to naturalization. However, each group has specific requirements they must meet, and additional considerations may impact their eligibility. It is crucial for individuals to seek legal guidance and thoroughly understand the naturalization process before applying. With the right information and proper guidance, individuals can navigate the naturalization process and work towards achieving their goal of becoming U.S. citizens.
