A Guide to Obtaining US Citizenship

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards your legal citizenship, seeking the information is important so that you can know what to expect on the road you will take to become a citizen.

First lets discuss how you obtain citizenship:

1. By Birth - you are given citizenship when you are born in the United States, Being born when traveling abroad with one or both citizen parents.

2. Through Naturalization - If you are not born a United States Citizen you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. To check your eligibility go to http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

Now that you know if you qulify, lets move along...

When you arrive to America you are expected maintain your duties as a citizen as you apply for your citizenship, some include:

· Obeying all federal, state and local laws,

· Enlisting in the SS if a male between the ages of 18 and 26

· Paying federal, state and income taxes, maintaining your immigration status,

· carrying proof of permanent resident status at all times,

· and updating your address with The Department of Homeland Security within 10 days after each time you move.

Here are some common words that you will hear through out your quest for citizenship:

Asylum - A place of retreat and security

Diplomatic immunity - A form of legal immunity and a policy held between governments to ensure that diplomats are not susceptible to law suits or prosecution although they can be expelled.

Dual Citizenship - Holding multiple citizenships

Expatriation - Loss of nationality

Green Card - Proof of immigration status

Illegal Alien - A immigrant who has entered the country illegally and has not filed for immigration.

Jus Sanguinis - The legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s

Jus Soli - The principle that a person's nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth

Naturalization - Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen

Refugee - one that fleesVisa - an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the barrier may proceed.

After a set period of time you will be required to take the test. It has all kinds of questions about our history, laws and governments.

Then you get to give your oath and become a real citizen!