How can I become a legal immigrant in the US?,
How immigrants and refugees become U.S. citizens
Many arrive in the United States after escaping war and persecution. Some are resettled in the U.S. as refugees and others request asylum after reaching a U.S. border. (Meet some of our newest American citizens below.)
The American immigration system can be extremely difficult to navigate and the application process to become a citizen alone can take a year or longer. Generally speaking, foreigners applying for citizenship must successfully pass six stages or steps—here's how it works.
Step 1: Determine eligibility
To become U.S. citizens, foreigners must first become permanent residents—green card holders. The International Rescue Committee helps refugees and immigrants obtain green cards, a costly and lengthy process in itself.
After living in the U.S. for five consecutive years as lawful permanent residents (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), green card holders can then apply for citizenship (there are exceptions for military veterans as well). Applicants must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be of good moral character;
- able to read, write and speak basic English.
- demonstrate an understanding of the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution;
- have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government;
- take an oath of allegiance to the United States.
Step 2: Apply for naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national. Once individuals have met the legal requirements for becoming citizens, they must submit an application form, with supporting documents and a $725 fee, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The IRC helps immigrants and refugees prepare their applications and documentation and guides them through the process, which can take six to 14 months. Over the past six years, the IRC has helped nearly 30,000 refugees and immigrants become U.S. citizens.
Step 3: Take the biometric test
Applicants for citizenship will receive an appointment letter from the USCIS to be fingerprinted and photographed for the purpose of conducting multiple background checks and cross-checks by the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security. All applicants must be cleared before the USCIS schedules an in-person interview.
Step 4: Complete the interview
Applicants are interviewed by USCIS officers who ask questions about their applications, backgrounds, character, understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and willingness to take an oath of allegiance.
Step 5: Take the civics and English tests
During the interview, a USCIS officer will test an applicant’s ability to read, write and speak basic English as well as his or her knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. Here's a sample civics question:
Step 6: Take the oath
Finally, successful applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the United States at a public ceremony before receiving their certificates of naturalization. They are now U.S. citizens. These public ceremonies are often celebrations, a time when new citizens recognize the large commitment and effort they have made to achieve their goal.