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1 1 (February 6, 2023)

handle is hein.crs/govekmr0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Service Informing the legislative debate since 1914 February 6, 2023 Naturalization: Policy Overview and Selected Trends Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen under requirements established in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In 2021, approximately 24 million naturalized U.S. citizens were residing in the United States, representing 53% of the foreign-born population. Naturalization is voluntary and affords certain rights, benefits, and eligibility; including eligibility for a U.S. passport, the right to vote and run for elected office, eligibility for certain civil service and law enforcement jobs, and protection from deportation. In addition, U.S. citizens may sponsor a broader range of family members for permanent residence than lawful permanent residents (LPRs, also known as green card holders; foreign nationals authorized to live permanently in the United States), and the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (as defined in the INA) are not subject to numerical limits. Generally, in order to naturalize, a foreign national must be an LPR, meet certain U.S. residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and civics and English language ability, have good moral character, and show attachment to the U.S. Constitution by taking the Oath of Allegiance in a public ceremony. Individuals must be at least 18 to naturalize; children derive citizenship through their parents. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency, adjudicates naturalization applications. Eligibility Requirements U.S. Residence and Physical Presence Generally, an LPR becomes eligible to naturalize after five years of continuous U.S. residence preceding their application. During at least half that time (30 months), the individual must have been physically present in the United States. LPRs who are married to U.S. citizens and have been for at least three years may naturalize after three years of U.S. residence and 18 months of physical presence. The INA contains special provisions for the naturalization of noncitizen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Those who apply while in service or within six months of discharge are exempt from residence and physical presence requirements. Those who serve during designated periods of military hostilities may also naturalize without having first been an LPR. Good Moral Character Naturalization applicants must demonstrate that they have been persons of good moral character (GMC). GMC is determined on a case-by-case basis by USCIS based on the totality of the circumstances, considering factors such as community involvement, employment history, and absence or presence of criminal history. The INA contains certain statutory bars to GMC (e.g., conviction of certain crimes). English and Civics Knowledge Naturalization applicants must demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak English and take a civics exam that demonstrates understanding of U.S. history and government. Individuals aged 50 and older with qualifying U.S. residence may be eligible for modifications to these requirements. In addition, exemptions are available to individuals who are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. Process Individuals apply to naturalize by filing an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with USCIS with required fees (currently $640 plus an $85 biometric fee). Next, applicants undergo biometric screening, during which USCIS collects an applicant's fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Applicants then complete an interview with a USCIS officer in which they answer questions about their application and background and complete their civics and English tests. Those who pass their interviews and exams become U.S. citizens after taking the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath may be administered by USCIS in an administrative ceremony or by a federal judge in a judicial ceremony. Dual Citizenship, Expatriation, and Revocation An individual who naturalizes in the United States may retain the citizenship of another country if that country permits it. The United States has no authority to prohibit another country from continuing to treat an individual as its citizen. A native-born or naturalized U.S. citizen may lose their citizenship by committing certain expatriating acts if those acts are committed with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. These include voluntary naturalization in a foreign country after age 18, making a formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign country after age 18, serving in the armed forces of a foreign country engaged in hostilities against the United States, and serving in the armed forces of a foreign country as an officer. An individual may also voluntarily renounce their U.S. citizenship before a U.S. diplomatic or consular officer abroad (e.g., because the individual wishes to run for elected office in another country). A naturalized citizen may have his or her citizenship revoked in federal court on the basis that he or she procured

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