What is “Naturalization”? It is the legal process of obtaining U.S. Citizenship by means other than birth, by filing an application as an adult on your own behalf.
Generally speaking, those who are not born in the United States, or those who have no other legitimate claim to U.S. citizenship, may apply to become U.S. Citizens by a process called “Naturalization”, after having been a lawful permanent resident (“Green Card holder”) in the United States, and meet a series of other qualifications.
“Why should I become a U.S. Citizen?”
Obtaining U.S. citizenship brings with it certain rights and responsibilities, which a lawful permanent resident or even a U.S. visa-holder may not have.
Rights of a U.S. Citizen:
- The right to vote. Only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote in official governmental elections.
- Sponsorship of foreign-born family members for immigration benefits.
- Obtaining U.S. citizenship for one’s own child(ren), even if born abroad.
- Obtaining and traveling with a U.S. passport.
- Eligibility for certain federal jobs, or jobs involving national security.
- Holding public office, as an elected official.
The basic requirements of the “naturalization” process, and the obligations of citizenship itself, demand greater incorporation into U.S. society. Immigrants age 18 and older are currently eligible for naturalization only if they have met the following requirements:
- Been Lawful Permanent Residents for at least five years (three years for the spouses of U.S. citizens), during which time they have not departed the country for periods of six months or more.
- Are of “good moral character” (that is, have not been arrested for or convicted of any serious crimes).
- Demonstrated knowledge of English and U.S. civics. (access USCIS’ official Civics Study Materials)
- Sworn allegiance to the U.S. Constitution by taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Naturalization opens up new avenues of integration into U.S. society.
U.S. citizenship affords rights which facilitate greater political and economic incorporation:
- The right to vote in federal and state elections.
- The right to run for political office (except the office of President or Vice President)
- The right to hold public-sector jobs and jobs that require security clearances.
- Protection from deportation.
- The right to travel with a U.S. passport.
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO N-400 PROCESSING: (April 2024)
The USCIS now has a policy for reducing the filing fee for the N-400, Application for Naturalization, based on the applicant’s income level. To qualify for the reduced fee, an applicant’s documented annual household income must be more than 150% but not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing. It’s important to note that even if you qualify for a reduced filing fee, you are still required to pay the full biometric services fee ($85) in addition to the reduced fee. This reduced fee is different from a fee waiver, which is a separate provision.
The Federal Poverty Guidelines, which determine eligibility for the reduced fee, are set by the Department of Health and Human Services and are updated annually. For example, for a household of one, the income must be between $21,870 and $29,160 to qualify for a reduced fee as of the guidelines effective January 17, 2024. These amounts increase with each additional household member.
For Alaska and Hawaii residents, the income thresholds for the reduced fee are slightly higher due to the higher cost of living in those states. For instance, in Alaska, a household of one must have an income between $23,925 and $31,900, and each additional person increases these thresholds by $8,400 for the 150% level and by $11,200 for the 200% level.
To apply for the fee reduction, applicants must submit Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee, along with their N-400 application, the reduced fee amount, and all required supporting documentation. The application filing fee is reduced by 50%, from $760 to $320, but the biometric fee of $85 is not reduced. Therefore, if eligible, the total amount payable would be $405.
Applicants who are 75 years or older are exempt from the biometrics fee, reducing their total payable amount to $320 if they qualify for the fee reduction.
| Persons in family / household | Federal Poverty guideline | 0-149% Fee Waiver | 150-400% Reduced Fee |
| 1 | $15,060 | $22,440 | $60,240 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $30,456 | $81,760 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $38,472 | $103,280 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $46,488 | $124,800 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $54,505 | $146,320 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $62,521 | $167,840 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $70,537 | $189,360 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $78,553 | $210,880 |
| NOTE: For families/households with more than 8 persons | you would add $5,380 for each additional person to the base poverty guideline before applying the respective calculations for each column. | ||
NOTE: IF you are a CITIZEN OF GERMANY, please be aware that there have been specific requirements in place that could or could have applied to you, regarding the possible retention or potential loss of your existing German Citizenship, upon accepting any further non-E.U. or non-E.E.A. citizenship, such as United States, Canada, Australia, etc. — This process has recently changed in late June 2024. — Please consult with me or another lawyer familiar with German Citizenship requirements.
Please contact me to obtain details about what is required for German Citizens who wish to obtain U.S. Citizenship.
Last Revision: 2024-10-4