US Citizenship is may be acquired in two ways by birthright citizenship and through naturalization. The first way only requires one to be born in the United States to be automatically classified as a US citizen.
Meanwhile, the latter involves undergoing a process authorized by the US Immigration.
Why become a US Citizen?
There are many rights and privileges exclusively reserved for US citizens that entice many to aspire to become one. The following are some:
a. Freedom to live and work in the United States permanently
b. May avail of the services provided by the federal government
c. Voting rights and right to be voted
d. Greater ability to sponsor relatives who want to migrate in the US
e. Government support while abroad
Naturalization
Needless to say, aliens after marrying US citizens do not automatically become US citizens. Marriage is not one of the modes sanctioned by the law for acquisition of US citizenship.
If he wants to be naturalized, he needs to file an application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form N-400 Application for Naturalization. However, he must first determine for himself whether he is already eligible to apply.
Here are some of the preconditions for before one may request for naturalization.
a. Permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years. Please take note that special rules may apply on the residency requirement for individuals who served the US military and to their respective immediate relatives.
b. In case of spouse of US citizens, the permanent residence must only be at least 3 years provided that the marriage is subsisting during all of that period.
c. He must be person of good moral character.
d. He should be able to understand, speak and write using the English language.
e. He has basic knowledge of US history and government.
f. He is willing to support and obey the constitution.
After finding himself pass the above mentioned conditions, he may consequently submit his application along with the relevant documents and application fee to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility that serves the locality. He will receive a notice regarding how he will be fingerprinted and when will be his interview.
The status of the application may be viewed through the USCIS website. The processing time varies depending on the location and the number of pending cases. Once the application is approved, the person needs to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a formal naturalization ceremony to perfect his citizenship.
