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Citizenship Overview
After you have lived in the US as a permanent resident (a green card holder) for a certain number of years, the next step is to apply for US citizenship. US citizenship can be acquired by birth or by the process of naturalization. The process of an immigrant becoming a US citizen is termed as ‘naturalization’. If you are not born in the US, you have to naturalize to become a US citizen.
[Click here to download the UCCIS Naturalization Information brochure ]
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What are the Benefits of US Citizenship?
There are several benefits of becoming a US citizen. You are entitled to certain tax exemptions, job benefits, scholarships and grants at educational institutions, flexibility in traveling to other countries, and the right to vote, thereby voicing your choice in the government’s policies. Once you become a citizen, your children, 18 or younger automatically become US citizens. These are some of the basic advantages.
If you decide to become a US citizen, but choose to retire in a different country, you are still entitled to receive full Social Security benefits. There is no fear of deportation or any anxiety of re-entering the country. Citizens have the ease of leaving or re-entering the US without any hassles.
You would not have to worry about renewing green cards every 10 years, after you become a US citizen. You can also petition for your other family members to come to the US with shorter waiting lists.
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How Does One Become a US Citizen by Birth?
- You are an American citizen by birth if you were born in the US.
- You are an American citizen by birth (in most cases), even if you were born outside the US but if both your parents are US citizens, and at least one of them lived in the US at some point in his/her life.
- You are an American citizen by birth (in most cases), if, according to the USCIS guide ALL of the following is true:
- One of your parents were a U.S. citizen when you were born;
Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you
were born; and
- At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen
parent’s 14th birthday.
Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship. You may also apply for a passport to have your citizenship recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, you may file an "Application for Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) with USCIS to get a Certificate of Citizenship.
Click here for a more complete review of citizenship by birth.
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Related Links
USCIS Guide to US Naturalization
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