Naturalization

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What is Naturalization • Naturalization is commonly referred to as the manner in which a

person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen.

• People not born in the United States who want to become citizens of the United States must go through a legal process to become naturalized citizens.

In order to attain Citizenship • Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for

Naturalization.• Be a permanent resident (have a “green card”) for at least 5 years.• Have lived within the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over their place of

residence for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing Form N-400. • Have continuous residence in the United States as a permanent resident for at

least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400. • Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5

years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400. • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English unless exempt based on age and

time as a permanent resident or a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. See Exceptions and Accommodations. • Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). • Be a person of good moral character. • Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

Why Do People Want to Become Naturalized U.S. Citizens?

• Voting. Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.

• Serving on a jury. Only U.S. citizens can serve on a federal jury. Most states also restrict jury service to U.S. citizens.

• Traveling with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport enables the holder to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.

• Bringing family members to the U.S. U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.

• Obtaining citizenship for children under 18 years of age. In most cases, a child under 18 years of age can derive citizenship from a naturalized parent.

• Applying for federal jobs. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.• Becoming an elected official. Only citizens can run for federal office in the U.S. Senate or U.S.

House of Representatives. Only citizens can run for most state and local offices as well.• Keeping U.S. residency. A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken

away.• Becoming eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Many financial aid grants,

including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes, are available only to U.S. citizens.

• Obtaining government benefits. Some government benefits, such as Social Security or Medicaid, are available only to U.S. citizens.

For those with criminal records

• Also if you have appeared in a criminal court, either as an adult or as a juvenile, you should get certified copies of your court records. • The procedures for adult criminal courts are different from juvenile delinquency courts in

place where you have been in court procedure.

NOTE: If the police arrested you but the district attorney did not file charges against you, you need proof that no charges were filed. To get this proof, contact the Attorney’s Office covering the location where the arrest happened. Request that they give you a letter showing that they did not charge you in connection with that arrest.

NOTE: If the police ticketed you for parking violations or for other vehicle violations like speeding, you may not need to provide records of these incidents. You should tell your lawyer about any and all vehicle-related tickets you have received, and an attorney can let you know whether any follow-up on your part is necessary.

Certified Copies of Your Court Records

• DHS will want to see what happened in any court case in which you were charged with committing a crime – even if you ultimately were not convicted. If you have ever appeared before a judge in a criminal court, you will need to get a certified copy of the court record (also called a disposition) from your case. • You should go to the clerk’s office at court and ask for a certified copy of

your final court disposition. • The clerk will charge you for the certification for each of your convictions. NOTE: If you have an outstanding warrant, going to court to get your criminal records might lead to your arrest. Consult with a criminal defense attorney if you have concerns about this.

How To Get Copies Of Your Adult Criminal Court Records

QUESTIONS?