Law firms like Tully Rinckey law that specialize in immigration law often serve as guides and advisors who help immigrants understand the law. They also help with filling out and sending in necessary documents. One process immigration law firms like Tully Rinckey guide immigrants through is U.S. naturalization. There are certain basic requirements that must be met before a person is eligible to gain U.S. citizenship.

Residence

People desiring to become a U.S. citizen must have held a green card for a minimum of five years. They must also have had a permanent home in the states for at least five years prior to sending in the form to begin applying for citizenship, Form N-400, and they must prove that in at least thirty months out of these five years they were physically in the states. Demonstration that they have lived in the state or USCIS district where they are applying for three months minimum (though students may apply either at the location of their school or their family) is also required.

Personal

Those applying for naturalization must also be eighteen or older. They must show that they are people with “good moral character” and that they know and value the ideology and concepts outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Along with possessing these qualities, residents wishing to become citizens must also pledge their allegiance to the U.S. by taking an oath.

Subjects

One basic condition that must be met is that applicants must have some understanding of two subjects: They must know English and some history. Potential naturalized citizens must be able to speak, write and read English. They also have to have a basic grasp of the fundamentals of U.S. civics and history.

The road to becoming a U.S. citizen is filled with paperwork and prerequisites. It is important to understand what is necessary before starting the process.