Introduction

Understanding the path to citizenship is key to appreciating the process that shapes the nation’s identity. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a journey marked by legal, cultural, and personal milestones, reflecting a commitment to the values of freedom, responsibility, and community. Whether through birthright, naturalization, or other pathways, the process is designed to ensure that new citizens fully embrace the rights and duties of American life. Below is an overview of the primary pathway to U.S. citizenship for Amerikaners.

Pathways to U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization

This is the most common path for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. It involves a structured legal process with several critical steps:

• Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18, hold lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., and show good moral character.
• Milestone 1: Obtaining a Green Card: The journey begins with legal permanent residency, often achieved through family sponsorship, employment, asylum, or other visa categories. This status must be maintained for the required period.
• Milestone 2: Filing Form N-400: The Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with fees (currently $725, including biometrics, as of 2025) and supporting documents.
• Milestone 3: Biometrics and Background Checks: Applicants provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature for security screenings to verify identity and check for criminal history.
• Milestone 4: Naturalization Interview and Tests: Applicants attend an interview with a USCIS officer, where they must pass an English language test (reading, writing, and speaking) and a civics test (covering U.S. history and government, with 6 out of 10 questions correct required). Exemptions apply for certain ages or medical conditions.
• Milestone 5: Oath of Allegiance: If approved, applicants take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, pledging loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. This is the final step, conferring full citizenship and rights, including voting and holding public office (except the presidency, reserved for natural-born citizens).

Derivative and Acquired Citizenship

• Derivative Citizenship: Children under 18 may automatically become citizens when their parent(s) naturalize, provided they are lawful permanent residents and live in the U.S. under their parent’s custody.
• Acquired Citizenship: Some children born abroad to U.S. citizens automatically gain citizenship at birth based on their parents’ status, though documentation (like a CRBA) is needed to formalize it.
• Milestone: Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. passport to document status.

For Amerikaners, the path to citizenship reflects the nation’s commitment to building a society where diverse individuals unite under shared values. Whether by birth or choice, citizenship is a profound milestone, symbolizing both privilege and duty in shaping America’s future. For detailed guidance or specific cases, visit uscis.gov or consult an immigration attorney.

Processes to Follow

In this section, we outline each immigration stage for a person admitted to the United States as a refugee, showing the mandatory steps to progress to lawful permanent resident (LPR – “Green Card” holder) and ultimately to naturalised United States citizen status.

It summarises statutory requirements that apply as of 11 June 2025.