Citizenship and Naturalization

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed July 2022

You can become a United States citizen if you were born in the United States, if your parents are U.S. citizens, or if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and apply for citizenship. Be aware that even if you qualify to apply for citizenship, there can be risks (see more information below). 

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

Links


this chart => www.uscis.gov/policymanual/PDF/NationalityChart3.pdf
N-648 => www.uscis.gov/n-648
N-400 => www.uscis.gov/n-400
Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet Instructions => www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Citizenship%20&%20Naturalization%20Based%20Resources/A%20Guide%20to%20Naturalization/PDFs/M-480.pdf
10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen => www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/apply-citizenship
Project Citizenship => projectcitizenship.org/
MIRA Coalition => www.miracoalition.org/