All naturalization
applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable
disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived
for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens.
Not everyone is eligible to
become a United States citizen. For assistance with naturalization, please
contact O'Brien & Associates so that we may assess the merits of your
petition and help you with the process.
Definition
of a US Citizen
A citizen of the United States is
a native-born, foreign-born, or naturalized person who owes allegiance to
the United States and who is entitled to its protection. In addition to the
naturalization process, the United States recognizes the U.S. citizenship of
individuals according to two fundamental principles: jus soli, or right of
birthplace, and jus sanguinis, or right of blood.
The 14th Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born
in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions, according to the principle of
jus soli. Certain individuals born in the United States, such as children of
foreign heads of state or children of foreign diplomats, do not obtain U.S.
citizenship under jus soli.
Certain individuals born outside
of the United States are born citizens because of their parents, according
to the principle of jus sanguinis (which holds that the country of
citizenship of a child is the same as that of his / her parents). The U.S.
Congress is responsible for enacting laws that determine how citizenship is
conveyed by a U.S. citizen parent or parents according to the principle of
jus sanguinis. These laws are contained in the Immigration and Nationality
Act. The qualifications of a born United States citizen are listed below.
Qualifications
of a Born United States Citizen
Generally, a person is a
born United States citizen if they were born in the United States or if they
were born to U.S. citizens. The following list summarizes the general
requirements for being a born U.S. citizen:
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If you were born in the United States (including, in
most cases, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), you are an
American citizen at birth (unless you were born to a foreign diplomat).
Your birth certificate is proof of your citizenship.
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In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the
following are true: Both your parents were U.S. citizens when you were
born; and at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some
point in their life. Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a
U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship.
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In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the
following are true:
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One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were
born;
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Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the
United States before
you were born; and
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At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were
after your
citizen parent's 14th birthday.
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Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a
U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship.
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