Basics of the U.S. Naturalization Process

Naturalization is the process of becoming a US national citizen if you were born outside the country. If your profile meets the given criteria, you may become a US citizen at birth or after it.

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

The basic criteria for naturalization is as follows;

1. You must be at least 18 years of age when you first apply for naturalization
2. You have been a legal permanent resident in the US for at least 3 to 5 years, depending on which type of naturalization you are applying for.
3. You have been physically present in the state for a continuous period of time
4. You can speak, write and read basic english language
5. You have a good moral record
6. You possess working knowledge and understanding of the US history and government
7. Swear your loyalty to the principles of the US constitution
8. Willingly take the oath of allegiance

Prepare and Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

If you are under the age of 18 and your birth or legal adoptive parents are United States citizens by birth or through naturalization, you automatically become a citizen. But if neither of this is the case, you may submit your application for naturalization after meeting the eligibility requirements. Form N-400, officially called “Application for Naturalization”, is a form submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the green card holders who are seeking naturalization. Filing the N-400 form is the first step toward naturalization.

Attend the Naturalization Interview

Once you submit your application for naturalization and have your biometrics taken, you should be receiving an appointment notice with the date and time for your interview. When you arrive for the interview, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time so that you can complete your check-in process.

However, if you are unable to attend the interview, you must contact the USCIS before the interview, but if you fail to do so and do not even show up for the interview your application will be moved towards pending by the USCIS. You can contact the department within one year after the interview call, to get your application active again. But if you still fail to get in touch with the department, your application will be automatically denied.

In the case where you decided to attend the interview, there are a few key points to remember. The interview is around 20 minutes long, it will consist of questions related to your documents of your immigration journey. You can go to the interview along with your representative, interpreter or a family member as long as you provide the interviewers with a valid reason for bringing them along.

Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

It is a formal ceremony which is attended by all the US citizenship applicants. In this ceremony each applicant is expected to take their oath of allegiance to the US, which is a sworn declaration that each applicant takes to pledge their loyalty to the state. The tradition goes as far back as the 18th century.

When the applicant takes their oath, the applicant promises to fulfill the following duties;

1. Stand by the constitution and the laws of the US and defend it against the enemies.
2. Leave any other citizenship, and renounce hereditary or noble titles in other nations, if any.
3. Provide military or civilian service when called upon by the government to do so.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a U.S. Citizen

Once you take your oath of allegiance to the state, you become a citizen of the US, and with that comes your rights and responsibilities as a US citizen. Your rights as an individual include freedom of speech, practicing your religion, and your right to fair trial, vote in elections, run for elected office, and more. On the other hand your responsibilities as a US citizen includes sworn support to the constitution, staying updated to the issues surrounding your community, respect and obey the federal orders, participating in the local community, serving on a jury when called upon and more.

Get Naturalized!

If you check all the boxes for eligibility criteria for naturalization, seek the assistance of an immigration attorney right away. Hire the best immigration attorney in Los Angeles at the Law Offices of Edith Nazarian to guide you through the naturalization process and make it as simple as possible for you.