Citizenship
United States citizenship is derived by either of two principals:
1) Jus Soli (birth) - Anyone born in the United States or its possessions is a citizen of the United States irrespective of the status of their parents. (There are minor exceptions including children of heads of state.)
2) Jus Sanguinis (blood) - Certain individuals born outside the United States are born citizens by way of their parents. The Immigration and Nationality Act regulates who will be considered a U.S. citizen born abroad depending on the status of both parents, the length of time the parents have resided in the United States and other detailed requirements.
Naturalization
A person may become a citizen of the United States through the naturalization process. The general requirements for becoming a citizen include:
1) A period of continuous legal residence and physical presence in the United States
2) Ability to read, write and speak the English language
3) Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
4) Good moral character
5) Attachment to the principles of the U.S. constitution
6) Favorable disposition to the U.S.
The residency requirements may vary if the person obtained residency through marriage to a United States citizen. The English and Civics requirements may be waived in certain circumstances (examples include age and disability).
1) Jus Soli (birth) - Anyone born in the United States or its possessions is a citizen of the United States irrespective of the status of their parents. (There are minor exceptions including children of heads of state.)
2) Jus Sanguinis (blood) - Certain individuals born outside the United States are born citizens by way of their parents. The Immigration and Nationality Act regulates who will be considered a U.S. citizen born abroad depending on the status of both parents, the length of time the parents have resided in the United States and other detailed requirements.
Naturalization
A person may become a citizen of the United States through the naturalization process. The general requirements for becoming a citizen include:
1) A period of continuous legal residence and physical presence in the United States
2) Ability to read, write and speak the English language
3) Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
4) Good moral character
5) Attachment to the principles of the U.S. constitution
6) Favorable disposition to the U.S.
The residency requirements may vary if the person obtained residency through marriage to a United States citizen. The English and Civics requirements may be waived in certain circumstances (examples include age and disability).