Citizenship

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen can end up being one of the most important decisions in the life of an immigrant. Generally speaking, an individual is only allowed to be a citizen of one country at a time. Obtaining a U.S. citizenship allows an immigrant to show their commitment and loyalty to the country, while receiving the benefits that a citizenship offers. The benefits of an approved citizenship application include all the rights and privileges that every American citizen experiences, including all the freedoms and opportunities that the country offers through their policies and Constitution. More specifically, citizens of the United States receive benefits of:

* Voting – only U.S. citizens are permitted to vote in Federal elections

* Obtaining citizenship for children

* Traveling with a U.S. passport – traveling with a valid U.S. passport allows the individual to receive assistance from the government when traveling overseas

* Bringing other family members to the country

* Being eligible for Federal Jobs – many federal jobs require a U.S. citizenship

* Becoming an elected official – most elected offices in the country require citizenship

Individuals deciding to fill out a citizenship application have a number of different options. Any individual born on United States soil is automatically designated a citizen. Additionally, individuals born outside of United States whose parent are citizens are citizens at birth, if other requirements are met. An individual may also obtain citizenship in a few more ways, including:

Citizenship through Naturalization

Immigrants seeking citizenship through naturalization are required to fill out a citizenship application named the Form N-400, which is also known as the Application for Naturalization. Naturalization involves permanent residents over the age of 18 meeting all requirements becoming a citizen through a citizenship application.

Generally speaking, an immigrant can become a citizen by filing the Form N-400 citizenship application for naturalization. In this citizenship application is relatively expensive, with a filing fee of over $600 for many. This application includes 14 different parts that includes information about the applicant, information about the applicant’s eligibility, contact information, residential information, and any relevant historical information.

Citizenship through Parents

Immigrants may also acquire a U.S. citizenship through the sponsorship of a qualified citizen parent. This also requires filling out a citizenship application.

The Naturalization Test

Individuals with an approved citizenship application will be required to take a naturalization test that tests their ability in reading, writing, and speaking English, as well as their knowledge of U.S history and government.

Special Cases

For certain individuals, such as members and veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for special naturalization provisions.

For many immigrants, filling out a citizenship application is one of the biggest decisions they can make in their lifetime. Becoming a U.S. citizen offers benefits at the expense of only commitment and loyalty to the country.