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U.S. Citizenship through Naturalization​

Becoming a citizen through naturalization is a process in which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen. U.S. citizens:

Review this visual overview (PDF, Download Adobe Reader) about the general naturalization process.

To become a U.S. citizen, you must:

  • Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you’re filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
    • You must renew your Permanent Resident Card before applying for citizenship if:
  • Your card will expire within six months of applying, or
  • Your card has already expired
  • You can apply for naturalization before you receive your new Green Card. But, you’ll need to submit a photocopy of the receipt for your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, when you receive it.
  • Meet certain eligibility requirements. To see if you’re eligible, click on the link that is most similar to your situation. Some requirements may include being:
    • At least 18 years old when you apply
    • Able to read, write, and speak basic English
    • Of good moral character
 
There is no obligation for permanent residency card holders to speak any particular language.
 
There is no obligation for tourists to speak any particular language.
 
There is certainly no obligation for anyone born in the US to speak any particular language.
 
There is an obligation to demonstrate some degree of English language use and comprehension during the citizenship test (over in a matter of minutes) for those wishing to become naturalized US citizens. There is no obligation for those same people to ever utter another word in English for the rest of their lives if they so choose.
 
All of the above having been said, nearly every immigrant, permanent resident, tourist, or US citizen understands the importance of being able to speak English in the United States. Most US citizens can get by in most situations without speaking another language, but we should understand the importance and many benefits of learning another language.

The world ain't gettin' any bigger.
 

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