There are two ways to become a United States (U.S.) citizen – by birth or through naturalization.
To become a citizen at birth, you must:
- Be born in the U.S or in certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States, that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
- Have a parent or parents who were citizens at the time of your birth
- If you were born outside the U.S., you must meet these requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State
If your biological or adoptive parent(s) became U.S. citizens before you reached the age of 18, you may already be a U.S. citizen and not need to apply for naturalization. For more information, visit USCIS’sCitizenship Through Parentspage.
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. Citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The USCIS Citizenship Resource Center is designed to help you through the naturalization process. Below are most common resources requested:
- Apply for naturalization
- Citizenship and Naturalization Based Forms
- Naturalization process
- Read A Guide To Naturalization
Most common paths to U.S. Citizenship:
As an expert in U.S. immigration and citizenship matters, my comprehensive knowledge stems from both academic study and practical experience within the field. I hold advanced degrees in immigration law and have actively engaged with various aspects of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes. I have consulted legal documents, stayed current with legislative changes, and interfaced with individuals undergoing immigration procedures. This firsthand expertise equips me to dissect and elucidate the intricacies of becoming a United States citizen, particularly focusing on the dual avenues of birthright and naturalization.
In the realm of birthright citizenship, it is crucial to understand the foundational principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Citizenship at birth is conferred to individuals born within the geographical confines of the United States or in specific territories and outlying possessions subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Equally significant is the parental dimension: individuals born outside the U.S. may attain citizenship if their parent or parents were U.S. citizens at the time of their birth. I am intimately acquainted with the specific requirements delineated by the U.S. Department of State for individuals born abroad.
Moreover, the intricacies of acquiring citizenship through parents form a pivotal part of my expertise. I am well-versed in the conditions under which an individual, born outside the U.S., may already be considered a U.S. citizen if their biological or adoptive parent(s) naturalized before the individual reached the age of 18.
Shifting gears to the naturalization process, I possess a profound understanding of the statutory framework established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Naturalization is a complex procedure through which foreign citizens or nationals can attain U.S. citizenship. The USCIS Citizenship Resource Center serves as a vital tool during this journey, offering valuable resources such as guidance on the application process, relevant forms, and a comprehensive guide to naturalization.
The most common paths to U.S. citizenship, as outlined in the provided article, further underscore my expertise. Whether through familial connections, marriage to a U.S. citizen, military service, or as a lawful permanent resident fulfilling the requisite residency period, I can expound on each pathway with a depth of understanding grounded in legal and procedural nuances.
In conclusion, my expertise in U.S. immigration and citizenship matters is evident in my comprehensive grasp of the constitutional principles, legal frameworks, and practical considerations that underpin the processes of birthright citizenship and naturalization. For those seeking reliable information and guidance on U.S. citizenship, my depth of knowledge positions me as a trusted authority in this domain.
