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How to Become a US Citizen
This page explains how to become a citizen of the United States.
Immigration Lawyer Carl Shusterman served as an INS Citizenship Attorney (1976-79). Generally, only lawful permanent residents may apply for naturalization although there are certain narrow exceptions to this rule. We provide videos, articles and links explaining who is eligible for naturalization as well as the application procedures, including an online, self-correcting history and government examination.
Our attorneys have assisted thousands of persons in successfully going through the naturalization process. U.S. citizens may sponsor their spouses, parents, sons and daughters as well as brothers and sisters for permanent residence in the U.S.
Some persons may obtain U.S. citizenship at birth, or while they are minors, through their U.S. citizen parents or grandparents. This is known as acquiring U.S. citizenship through acquisition or derivation. We have posted the government’s four handy citizenship charts on our web site.
It is also possible to have your naturalization revoked. Finally, we link to articles regarding who is eligible to be a “dual” citizen, a citizen of more than one country.
““Last June 30,2011, I proudly became a citizen of the United States of America.Thanks to God and with the invaluable help of the law offices of Carl Shusterman, particularly Carl Shusterman and Atty. Amy Prokop and paralegal Ana Cruz..” (More client reviews…)
This page is divided into the following subtopics:
- Naturalization: General Information
- Success Stories
- Videos: How To Become a U.S. Citizen
- Expedited Naturalization through Military Service
- Other Citizenship Issues
- Practice Advisories
- Obtaining Citizenship through Parents/Grandparents
NATURALIZATION: GENERAL INFORMATION
- Thinking About Applying for Naturalization? (USCIS)
- How Do I Apply for U.S. Citizenship? (USCIS)
- Download Citizenship Forms
- A Guide to Naturalization (USCIS) – 58 Pages
- USCIS Update: Change of Filing Location for Form N-400 (12-17-09)
- Study Materials for the New Naturalization Test (USCIS)
- Quick Civics Lessons for the New Naturalization Test (USCIS)
- USCIS Operating Instructions
- Naturalization Self Test (USCIS)
- Interpretations of Citizenship Laws and Court Decisions (USCIS)
- Conditional Permanent Residents and Naturalization under Section 319(b) of the Act (USCIS) – (8-04-09)
- Guidance on Continuous Residence, Physical Presence, and Overseas Naturalization (USCIS) – (8-15-08)
- Procedures for Handling Naturalization Applications of Aliens Who Voted Unlawfully or Falsely Represented Themselves as U.S. Citizens by Voting or Registering to Vote (USCIS) – (5-07-02)
- The Citizen’s Almanac (USCIS)
- Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions and Special Cases (USCIS)
- Register for Selective Service Online
In English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean & Vietnamese
- Effect of Failure to Register for Selective Service on Naturalization Eligibility
- Monthly Statistical Reports on Applications for Benefits and N-400 Naturalization Benefits (USCIS)
SUCCESS STORIES
- Receiving a U.S. Passport through an Absent Father (December 2008)
- Helping A Client Become a U.S. Citizen (August 2008)
- Citizenship – Military Service Exemption (June 2007)
- U.S. Citizenship Based on Your Ancestors (June 2006)
- Citizenship Through Parents (February 2000)
- Private Romero’s 50-Year Odyssey to U.S. Citizenship
- Illegal Marine Gains Green Card and Citizenship
VIDEOS: HOW TO BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN
- How to Become a U.S. Citizen (Part 1)
- How to Become a U.S. Citizen (Part 2)
- The Citizenship Interview and Test (USCIS)
- Obtaining Citizenship Through Parents and Grandparents
EXPEDITED NATURALIZATION THROUGH MILITARY SERVICE
- Citizenship for Military Members & Dependents (USCIS)
- The Army’s New Recruitment Program for Persons with Temporary Visas (2-23-09)
- Military Personnel Citizenship Processing Act (S.2840) – (Passed by House and Senate, Signed by President on October 9, 2008)
- Naturalization Information for Military Personnel (USCIS)
- USCIS Launches Toll-Free Military Help Line (8-13-07)
- USCIS Fact Sheet: Military Naturalizations (5-24-07)
- Gallarde v. INS (9th Cr. May 11, 2007)
- INS Memo – Implementation of Executive Order 13269 (7-17-02)
OTHER CITIZENSHIP RESOURCES
- Citizenship and Nationality (State Department)
- Citizenship Laws of the World
- National Foundation for American Policy: Ending Birthright Citizenship Would be Costly to Americans (3-5-12)
- Dual Citizenship FAQ (by Rich Wales)
- Dual Nationality (State Department)
- Appeals Court, In En Banc Decision, Rules That Attorney General Lacks Authority to Revoke Naturalization (7-20-00)
- Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship (State Department)
- Reclaiming Lost Citizenship
