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Becoming A Naturalized Citizen

Contact Central Pennsylvania immigration attorneys at Kelly, Parker & Cohen, LLP, today for your FREE CONSULTATION.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after they fulfill the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Before you apply for naturalization, you must meet a few requirements. Depending on your situation, different requirements may apply.

Requirements For Naturalization

An applicant for naturalization must:

  • Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
  • Prove that they have been a green card holder and that they have continuously lived in the United States for five years or more right before the time of their application (In some cases, this may be three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen.)
  • Have lived within the state in which they are filing for at least three months prior to the date of filing
  • Be present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately preceding the date of their application
  • Continue to live in the United States from the time of their application until they are naturalized
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English, and have the knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government, otherwise known as civics
  • Have good moral character, honor the U.S. Constitution, and be willing to take part in the happiness and good order of the United States during all relevant periods under the law.

The Benefits Of Naturalization

Naturalized U.S. citizens have all the rights and privileges as citizens born in the United States. A naturalized U.S. citizen can vote, travel with a U.S. passport, run for elective office where citizenship is required, participate on a jury, become eligible for federal and certain law enforcement jobs, obtain certain federal and state benefits not available to noncitizens, acquire citizenship for minor children born overseas, and increase and expedite their ability to bring family members to the United States.

If your application is approved, you will be scheduled to appear at a ceremony so that the oath of allegiance may be administered. If your application is denied, the immigration officer reviewing your application must issue a written denial notice to you or your representative. The notice will provide the reasons why your application was denied and information on how you may request a review hearing.

Confused About The Process? We Can Help.

If you or a loved one is in need of one or more of our immigration law services related to naturalization or the denial of a naturalization application, contact one of the Central Pennsylvania immigration attorneys or call 717-971-1974 or contact us online today for your free and confidential consultation.