Becoming a U.S. Citizen

When a person from a foreign country wants to become a US citizen, this process is called naturalization. The person has to do three things:

1. Fill out an application form. The form asks questions about the person’s background. The person also has a set of fingerprints taken.
2. Take a citizenship test. The exam tests the person’s knowledge of U.S. government and history.
3. Appear before a judge in court. The judge listens to the person’s reasons for wanting to become a U.S. citizen, and then decides if the person will be allowed to become a citizen.

A service of the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Last updated: April 6, 2000
Page Name: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/citizenship/citizenship.html