Understanding the Different Paths to U.S. Citizenship

Being a United States citizen offers many advantages, from the right to vote to access to different government services. However, the road towards citizenship can be difficult, with several paths and eligibility standards depending on personal situation. This article will review the several types of citizenship accessible in the United States, the numerous ways to become a U.S. citizen, and the advantages of owning American citizenship. Understanding these options is essential regardless of your immigration status or birth in the United States.

1. Types of U.S. Citizenship: Birthright and Naturalization

In the United States, citizenship by birth and citizenship by naturalization constitute essentially two types of citizenship. Each of these paths has different eligibility criteria.

Birthright Citizenship

Birthright citizenship is the simplest sort of U.S. citizenship. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that everybody born on American lands immediately becomes a citizen of the United States. This also applies under some conditions to children born overseas to American citizens.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which people born elsewhere become citizens of the United States. For immigrants, it’s among the most often occurring ways to become a U.S. citizen. An applicant must satisfy multiple qualifying conditions, including completing other legal requirements and being a permanent resident for a designated duration.

2. Pathways to U.S. Citizenship: Common Routes

Each of the several ways to become a citizen of the United States has particular criteria. These are some of the pathways often followed by immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship.

Family-Based Immigration

One of the simplest ways to become a citizen of the United States is having a family member who is a United States citizen. Compared to other immigrants, spouses, parents, and children of American citizens enjoy a quicker road to citizenship.

Employment-Based Immigration

Employment is another pathway to citizenship. Some work visas can result in permanent residency (a green card), which, after a designated period, allows the holder to apply for naturalization.

Asylum or Refugee Status

Individuals awarded refugee or asylum can finally become U.S. citizens. After being a lawful permanent resident for one year, they might start the citizenship application process.

3. American Citizenship Requirements

So, how can you become a citizen of the United States? Applicants must satisfy the following five criteria to be qualified for naturalization:

1. Age: The applicant must be at least eighteen years old.
2. Residency: Candidates must have been either three years married to a U.S. citizen or at least five years permanent residents (green card holders).
3. Good Moral Character: Candidates must show good moral integrity, which implies adhering to American laws and values.
4. U.S. Civics and History Exam: Applicants must pass a U.S. civics and history exam.
5. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must show their capacity for reading, writing, and speaking simple English.
6. How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The Naturalization Process

Knowing the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen, let’s proceed through the 5 steps to naturalization.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Ensuring you satisfy all the above-listed criteria comes first.

Step 2: Complete Form N-400

Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, must be completed by you. This is fundamental for becoming a legal citizen of the United States.

Step 3: Biometrics Appointment

You can be requested to provide fingerprints and other identifying information by attending a biometrics appointment after application submission.

Step 4: Attend an Interview

Attending a citizenship interview with a USCIS officer is essential to obtaining American citizenship. Your application, background, and knowledge of U.S. history and government will all be under inquiry.

Step 5: Oath of Allegiance

Once Approved, the last stage is attending a naturalization ceremony where you will formally become a U.S. by swearing the Oath of Allegiance as a citizen.

5. Advantages of U.S. Citizenship

Being a citizen of the United States comes with numerous benefits, including:

• The ability to cast a ballot in national elections;
•  Access to some government employment;
• Ability to sponsor family members for immigration;
• Protection from deportation;
• Obtaining a U.S. passport for overseas travel

The benefits of being an American citizen are worth the work for those ready to navigate the naturalizing process.

6. U.S. Citizenship vs. Green Card: What’s the Difference?

A U.S. citizenship visa is not the same as a green card but provides lawful permanent residence. One important distinction is that green card holders have no right to vote and might be deported if they participate in specific crimes. For many, the pathway to citizenship via naturalization presents more possibilities and security.

7. Maintaining U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to Know

Once you have U.S. citizenship, you must know how to maintain it. Although losing U.S. citizenship is challenging, rare occasions allow three ways to lose citizenship.

Renunciation

You can voluntarily give up your U.S. citizenship by formally renouncing it. This is often done for tax purposes or to claim citizenship in another nation banning dual nationality.

Fraud in the Naturalization Process

If it is discovered that you committed fraud during the naturalization process, your citizenship might be removed.

Serving in a Foreign Army

Under certain conditions, serving in a foreign military, particularly during times of war, might result in the loss of U.S. citizenship.

Although losing citizenship is unusual, these three ways to lose citizenship are crucial to consider, especially for persons with dual or triple citizenship.

8. Special Programs: Fast-Track Citizenship Opportunities

In rare instances, immigrants may qualify for expedited citizenship through specific programs. These programs are designed to honor persons who have made significant contributions to U.S. society or meet particular requirements.

Military Service

One fast-track option to how to become a U.S. citizen is through military service. Immigrants in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for rapid naturalization, sometimes without fulfilling the standard residency criteria.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

For individuals with financial resources, the EB-5 visa offers an investment-based pathway to citizenship. Investing a minimum amount in a U.S. business may make you eligible for permanent residency, which can eventually lead to citizenship.

Diversity Visa Program

The Diversity Visa Lottery, popularly known as the green card lottery, is another option for some individuals. Lottery winners can get a green card, which can lead them to citizenship.
These special programs offer unique ways to become a citizen of the United States for individuals who meet the criteria.

9. Typical Inquiries Regarding U.S. Citizenship

How difficult is it to earn U.S. citizenship?

Although becoming a citizen calls for patience and fulfilling various criteria, the process is simple for those who meet the requirements.

How many years to become a citizen in the U.S.?

Usually, if married to a U.S. citizen, it takes three years; otherwise, it takes five years as a permanent resident to seek citizenship.

Is American citizenship something you might purchase?

U.S. citizenship cannot be bought; there is no such thing. Although using some visas to invest in American companies can result in permanent residency, citizenship is not guaranteed.

What benefits a person from U.S. citizenship?

Voting rights, a U.S. passport, and the capacity to sponsor family members for immigration are just a few of the rights and benefits that U.S. citizenship grants.

Are there different types of citizenship status?

Indeed, naturalized citizens, born U.S. citizens, and dual or triple citizens represent a few types of citizenship status.

In Conclusion: Starting Your Road to U.S. Citizenship Right Now

Though the immigrant path to citizenship can be difficult, the benefits are enormous. Knowing the types of citizenship, the application process, and the rewards will enable you to make decisions about your future with knowledge. Now is the moment to begin your path toward U.S. citizenship, whether your interests are understanding how to become an eligible non-citizen or investigating different types of citizenship.

Ready to start your road toward U.S. citizenship? Get individualized help with your immigration process by contacting our legal specialists at Passage Law right now!