How do immigrants become citizens?
One third of the foreign-born population in the US in 2000 were naturalized citizens. Naturalization is the process by which eligible legal immigrants become U.S. citizens. Through the naturalization process, immigrants display a willingness to become full members of our society. The process is not an easy one. It requires that immigrants live in the U.S. for a certain number of years, learn our language, study our history and government, show that they are of “good moral character” and have not committed serious crimes and, finally, swear allegiance to the United States. Over time, most immigrants become citizens. An applicant for citizenship must be at least 18 years of age, and must have resided continuously in the U.S. as a Legal Permanent Resident for at least five years prior to filing. Immigrants who have been married to a U.S. citizen for three years and immigrants who have been active in the armed forces can generally naturalize after just three years. (In 2002, President Bush
