United States Citizenship

Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant. Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:

>>  Being born in the United States, in one of its territories, or to U.S. citizen parents
>>  Naturalization is an option for becoming a US citizen for everyone not included in one of the above categories .

 In addition, in 2000, Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), which allows any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.  This channel of USCIS.gov will give you information on the various paths to citizenship.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

>>  a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
>>  residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
>>  an ability to read, write, and speak English;
>>  a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
>>  good moral character;
>>  attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
>>  favorable disposition toward the United States.

Note: Recent changes in immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize (see Naturalization Information for Military Personnel).

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under "Related Links" and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying.

Citizenship of Children

The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions, according to the principle of jus soli. Certain individuals born in the United States, such as children of foreign heads of state or children of foreign diplomats, do not obtain U.S. citizenship under jus soli.

Certain individuals born outside of the United States are born citizens because of their parents, according to the principle of jus sanguinis (which holds that the country of citizenship of a child is the same as that of his / her parents). The U.S. Congress is responsible for enacting laws that determine how citizenship is conveyed by a U.S. citizen parent or parents according to the principle of jus sanguinis. These laws are contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Many children are adopted from countries outside the U.S. each and every year. These children may become U.S. citizens automatically as a result of The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), which grants adopted children citizenship status when they immigrate.