Do you want to become a US Citizen? Visit USA Citizenships website for the guidelines!
Under the US Constitution, there are only two ways to acquire US Citizenship: It is through Citizenship by birth or Citizenship by law.
By law, it means through naturalization proceedings, which is clearly defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Citizenship by birth
A citizen born in any state or territory forming part of the United States is a citizen by birth. Generally, Citizenship by birth does not require any action on his part to complete his Citizenship. It is conferred automatically from birth. However, US Citizenship by birth is a very complex process among immigration laws. A US citizen also refers to those individuals born to a US citizen father or mother or both parents even outside the US territory.
Citizenship by naturalization
For non-US citizens, confernment of US Citizenship is only through administrative process of naturalization. To apply for naturalization, petitioner must file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).The Immigration and Nationality Act or INA governs the process for naturalization.
Naturalization proceedings require that the petitioner must:
- be at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident in the US or “green card” holder;
- have resided continuously in the United States for five years immediately preceding the date you filed your application for naturalization, or having been removed from conditional permanent resident status by reason of marriage to a U.S. citizen, he must have resided in the United States for at least one year after the condition was removed;
- have resided continuously in the United States after your application for US Citizenship;
- remain a person of good moral character;
- have not violated any immigration laws or being subjected to deportation or removal proceedings;
- have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language;
- have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the US history and government;
- support and defend the principles of the U.S. Constitution by swearing allegiance to the United States.
A US citizen has some rights and privileges as well as obligations under the US Constitution and Federal laws.
Rights and privileges of a US citizen:
It is the right of every US citizen to obtain a US passport and to travel inside and outside the country at anytime. He is also entitled to study, work, and live permanently in the United States.
Obligations of a US citizen:
Upon confernment of US Citizenship, it is the obligation of an alien obtaining US Citizenship to renounce his allegiance to his home country and take an Oath of Allegiance to the US Constitution. The US citizen is bound by his Oath to support and defend the US laws and Constitution as well as to serve the country when required.
US Citizenship help: search www.usacitizenships.com
If you are an alien residing outside the US or an alien living inside the US, acquisition of US Citizenship can be a very tedious process. To be successful, you need the help of USA Citizenships. Visit our website at ww.usacitizenships.com or call (888) 940-0044 for consultation free of charge.
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