Becoming a U.S. Citizen  The process by which people from
foreign countries become U.S. citizens is called naturalization.
There are three steps in this process:
- File an application. The application
asks for biographical information about the person. The person has
his or her fingerprints taken, and provides photographs and legal
documents.
- Take a naturalization examination.
The examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. government
and history. The applicant must also pass an English test.
- Appear for a court hearing.
The applicant appears before a judge and asks to become a U.S. citizen.
The judge will listen to the applicant’s reasons and will decide
on naturalization.
To become a citizen, or to be naturalized, a person
must meet certain requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years
- Be of good moral character and loyal to the
U.S.
- Be able to read, write, speak and understand
basic English
- Have basic knowledge and understanding of the
history, government structure and the Constitution of the U.S.
- Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to
the U.S.
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