United States of America. Citizenship is conferred upon swearing allegiance to the flag.
The first step to acquiring United States Citizenship and a U.S. Passport is usually acquiring lawful permanent residence in the U.S., through family, employment, or refugee petition or through the Immigration DV Lottery. In order to apply for a U.S. passport, you must first be a citizen, either by birth, application or as a matter of law.
Naturalization is the process that the U.S. confers citizenship upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:
- A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
- Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
- An ability to read, write, and speak English;
- Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
- Good moral character;
- Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution;
- Favorable disposition toward the United States;
- An ability to pass the examination which is conducted in person at a U.S. Citizenship interview.
The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens, members of the military, adoptive and natural children, ministers, and certain other individuals.
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In order to file for citizenship in the United States you would have to establish that you have been a person of good moral character for at least 5 years prior to filing, that you have resided continuously in this country and that you have complied with basic requirements such as filing tax returns as a resident. The filing costs are $ 680 for this application.