| To
become a naturalized U.S. citizen, one must have been a lawful permanent resident
continuously for at least 5 years or, if married to a U.S. citizen, 3 years.
An applicant must reside for at least 3 months in the state in which the petition
is filed; must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of
the 3- or 5-year period; must reside continuously within the U.S. from the
date the petition is filed, that is, not abandon permanent residence during
this time; must not be out of the U.S. for more than one year unless certain
statutory exemptions apply; must be a person of good moral character for the
requisite period; must be attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution;
must generally be willing to bear arms, perform noncombatant services in the
U.S. Armed forces, and perform work of national importance under civilian direction;
must not be otherwise statutorily barred; and, must demonstrate both an ability
to read, write and understand English and a knowledge of U.S. history and government. |