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Who is Eligible to Become a U.S Citizen?
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The United States of America was built on the foundation of immigrants who have played an instrumental role in shaping the country’s economy, culture, and values. Today, becoming a U.S citizen is one of the most sought-after goals for North Carolina residents and migrants alike. With a U.S passport, citizens have the right to vote, participate in government, and receive federal benefits. However, not everyone qualifies for U.S citizenship. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at who is eligible to become a U.S citizen and the requirements they must meet.
1. Legal Permanent Resident Status:
The first requirement to become a U.S citizen is to have Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status or a "Green Card." Legal Permanent Residents are individuals who have been authorized to live and work in the U.S on a permanent basis. To qualify, an applicant must typically wait for five years after receiving their Green Card before applying for citizenship. However, there is an exception in some cases for those who are married to a U.S citizen or in the military.
2. Age and Residence:
The next requirement is age and residence. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and must have continuously resided in the U.S for at least five years and have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months in the last five years. Additionally, the applicant must have lived in the state or USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) district where they plan to apply for at least three months.
3. Good Moral Character:
U.S Citizenship applications require an individual to exhibit good moral character. Good Moral Character can be a broad term and requires the individual to have no history of criminal activity that would prevent them from being a U.S citizen, such as fraud, moral turpitude, or imprisonment. It is essential to note that traffic violations and other minor offenses may not prevent individuals from being approved for citizenship.
4. English and Civics Test:
The final requirement to become a U.S citizen is passing The English and Civics Test to show the applicant's proficiency in the English language. The civics test will examine the applicant's understanding of U.S history, government, and citizenship. The test is typically administered during the naturalization interview.
Achieving U.S citizenship is a tremendous accomplishment that comes with numerous benefits and responsibilities. If you have Legal Permanent Resident Status, have been physically present in the U.S for at least 30 months, have lived in the state or USCIS district where you plan to apply for at least three months, and exhibit good moral character, you may qualify to become a U.S citizen. It is always best to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to help you navigate the process of becoming a U.S citizen.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.