Citizenship and Naturalization

Am I already a U.S. Citizen?

Were you born in the United States?

• If yes, then congratulations you are a U.S. citizen.

Are your parent(s) or grandparent(s) U.S. Citizens?

• If yes, then it depends on when you were born, whether one or both of your parents or grandparents are citizens, and if you meet other requirements for getting citizenship.
• See this chart or consult an immigration lawyer. 

How do I become a U.S. Citizen?

You must be a current lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to apply to be a U.S. citizen, through a process called naturalization. 

How do I qualify?

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years or 3 years if you received your green card through marriage.
• Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 2.5 years of the past 5 years or 1.5 years of the past 3 years if you received your green card through marriage.
• Be a person of good moral character.
  
  • Have no serious criminal charges or convictions (consult an immigration lawyer if you have been charged or convicted of a crime).
• Be able to pass an English and civics test.
  
  • You do not have to take the English test if you are at least 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, or you are at least 55 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years or more – you will still have to take the civics exam, but in your native language.
  • You do not have to take the English test if you are at least 65 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, and you can take a simplified civics exam in your native language.
  • You may not have to take the English exams if you qualify for a disability waiver. You will need a doctor to complete another form (N-648) in order to qualify.

Citizenship Process Overview

1. Send an Application for Naturalization (N-400) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Receive notification that your application has been received by USCIS.
3. Go to your appointment at a local office where they will take your fingerprints to complete a background check.
4. Receive notification for an interview at your local USCIS office.
5. Go to your interview where you will take the English and civics exams.
6. Get a notice that tells you if your application was approved.
7. Attend the Oath Ceremony.

Do I run any risks if I apply for citizenship?

• Be aware of the risks.
  
  • To apply for citizenship, you must show that you are a person of “good moral character” for 5 years prior to applying for citizenship (3 years if you received your green card through marriage) through the time of your interview.
    • Here are some examples of issues that may cause the government to determine that you DO NOT have good moral character. This is not a complete list and you should consult an immigration lawyer if you have any doubts.
      • Criminal convictions,
      • Smuggling,
      • Alcoholism,
      • Participation in illegal gambling or prostitution,
      • Committing fraud to get a visa or green card, 
      • Practicing polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time),
      • Failure to pay child support,
      • Failure to file taxes,
      • Voting or false claims to U.S. citizenship,
      • Having helped someone enter the U.S. illegally,
      • There are many other issues that may affect your good moral character. Please consult an immigration lawyer.
  • If you have committed certain crimes, voted, committed fraud, or have left the U.S. for a long period of time (more than 1 year), applying to become a U.S. citizen could put you in danger of deportation. You should consult an immigration lawyer if any of these issues may apply to you.

Links to naturalization eligibility

• Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet Instructions  
• 10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Links to citizenship clinics in Massachusetts

• Project Citizenship 
• MIRA Coalition