The requirements for naturalization into the US vary depending on an individual’s current status. For example, a person’s current marital status is taken into account along with their time as a permanent resident when determining eligibility. If an individual is married to a US citizen, their residency requirement will be reduced in comparison to a single individual who is over the age of 18. If a person is a documented resident of any US state and over the age of 18 they do not have to fulfill a 5 year residency requirement. All requirements must be fulfilled at the time an application is submitted with an US Naturalization Lawyer.
A requirement of all applicants is that they possess a moral character exemplified by their ability to abide by US laws. While ambiguous at first, this is often determined by if an applicant has a criminal record. Offenses that could bar admission include: illegal possession of a controlled substance, prostitution, vandalism, terrorism, failure to complete probation, and many more. Criminal offenses can cause probationary periods after a crime for an allotted amount of time when an applicant cannot apply for naturalization. The United States does not seek to take in people who could prove to be liabilities or hostile to its citizenry.
Along with fulfilling the basic qualifications such as residency and age, an individual must also support the United States Constitution and its principles. This entails: confessing allegiance to the United States of America, agreement to enroll in selective service, and commitment to be an upstanding citizen. To recite the oath of allegiance, an individual must be able to speak English and be able to comprehend it. If a person is disabled, this will be accounted for accordingly. An individual must also be able to understand the basics of United States history and its civil code.