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Here are some good reasons in considering becoming a US citizen:

• Show your patriotism. Becoming a citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to your new country;
• Voting. Only citizens can vote in federal elections.
• Serving on a jury. Only US citizens can serve on a jury. Serving on a jury is an important responsibility for US citizens.
• Traveling with a US passport. A US passport enables you to get assistance from the US government when overseas; if necessary.
• Bringing family members to the US. US citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to the US.
• Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. In most cases, a child born abroad to a US citizen is automatically a US citizen.
• Becoming eligible for federal jobs. Certain jobs with government agencies require US citizenship.
• Meeting tax requirements. Tax requirements may be different for US citizens and permanent residents.
• Keeping your residency. A US citizen’s right to remain in the US cannot be taken away.
• Becoming eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Many financial aid grants, including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes are available only to US citizens.
• Obtaining government benefits. Some government benefits are available only to US citizens.

Naturalization
The process of becoming a US citizen is called “naturalization.” You can apply for naturalization once you meet the following requirements:

• Live in the US for at least five years as a permanent resident (or three years if married to and living with a US citizen).
• Be present in the US for at least 30 months out of the past five years (or 18 months out of the past three years if married to and living with a US citizen).
• Live within a state or district for at least three months before you apply.
• Behave in a legal and acceptable manner.
• Know English and information about US history and government.
• Understand and accept the principles of the US Constitution.

You will be required to pass a test of English and a test of civics to prove your knowledge. You must be willing to support and defend the US and its Constitution. You declare your loyalty to the US and the Constitution when you take the Oath of Allegiance. You become a US citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance.

You will be informed of the date of the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. You will return your Permanent Resident Card to the USCIS when you check in at the Oath ceremony. You will no longer need your card because you will get a Certificate of Naturalization at the ceremony.

During the ceremony, an official will read each part of the Oath slowly and ask you to repeat the words. After you take the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. This certificate proves that you are a US citizen.

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