It’s easy to get these two terms mixed up because many people use them interchangeably. The two are different in terms of how each is obtained and the processes by which they are documented. They also grant different rights, which is something that a good citizenship attorney can explain to you.
What Is Citizenship?
How to acquire citizenship
There are several ways in which you can acquire United States citizenship. To do so, you must meet at least one of the following at birth, or prior to age 18:
- Being born in the United States, or in some of the American territories.
- Being born abroad to parents who were American citizens at the time of your birth and lived in the United States for a specific amount of time.
- If you, both, become a Legal Permanent Resident AND your parent becomes a Naturalized Citizen before your 18th birthdayIf you are born in the United States, you get a United States birth certificate, which is straightforward enough. When born outside the United States of America to American citizen parents, you may either apply for naturalization or a certificate of citizenship . In both instances you must demonstrate your eligibility.
What Is Naturalization?
The process of Naturalization can be lengthy and can vary greatly by your location. In general, you can expect that the process of Naturalization can take 6 – 12 months and when you work with the Cynthia De Los Santos Law Firm we bring our 10 years of experience to your case to assist with the entire process.
How do you acquire naturalization?
To become Naturalized you must meet certain legal requirements. Those requirements will vary depending on whether 1) you are married to a U.S. Citizen 2) whether you are Naturalizing under your own right because you have been a Legal Permanent Resident for 5 or more years, or 3) You are a member of the military.
Through Your Own Right as a Legal Permanent Resident. (must meet all requirements)
- You have been a permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years
- You have continuously resided in the United States for those (5 years)
- You are up to date on your Taxes
- You are not delinquent on child support obligations
- You can demonstrate you are a person of good moral character (this is where a thorough review of any criminal history is necessary).
Married to a United States Citizen.
- You have been a Legal Permanent Resident for at least 3 years.
- Continuously resided in the United States for at least 3 years.
- You do not owe Taxes (in some cases you may be able to naturalize as long as you are up to date on your payment arrangement with the IRS).
- You are not delinquent on child support obligations
- You can demonstrate you are a person of good moral character (any criminal history must be reviewed carefully).
It’s important to note that you can also Naturalize if you have qualifying service in the American armed forces and meet certain requirements
For all these conditions, you must show meticulous proof and documentation in order to demonstrate eligibility to Naturalize. Once you become a naturalized United States Citizen, you cannot be deported unless you are convicted of treason, you renounce your American citizenship, or you commit fraud during the process of naturalization. One of the other benefits of becoming a Legal Permanent Resident is that you may live anywhere in the world without the risk of abandoning your status as a Naturalized U.S. Citizen. That is not the case with Legal Permanent Residence or Green Card holders.
What is the Naturalization Process Like?
The naturalization process is difficult and meticulous. You must be very careful. While becoming a Naturalized citizen has many benefits you must also analyze whether it is the right decision for you. For example, if you have a criminal record, or your Legal Permanent Residence or Green Card was obtained under fraud or with error, applying for citizenship may not be right for you. It is highly recommended that you consult with a licensed Attorney to understand your options.
Need help with your Naturalization Process?
If you need help with your naturalization process, reach out to the Law Offices of Cynthia De Los Santos. We will help you with the process. Our professionals will explain foreign terms to you and let you know exactly what to do so the process is easier for you.
