The United States has welcomed immigrants from all over the world who have helped shape and define our country.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and process for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, please visit: uscis.gov/naturalization-eligibility.
When applicants for naturalization take the Oath of Allegiance, they make important promises of loyalty to the United States. The promises that applicants make when they become a United States citizen are to:
• give up loyalty to other countries;
• defend the Constitution and laws of the United States; • obey the laws of the United States;
⚫ serve in the U.S. military (if needed);
• serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed); and ⚫ be loyal to the United States.
During the naturalization ceremony, applicants for naturalization will raise their right hand say the Oath of Allegiance. At that time, they become U.S. citizens. Naturalization is one way that a person can become a U.S. citizen. Other ways a person can become a U.S. citizen include:
⚫ being born in the United States, under conditions set by the 14th Amendment.
⚫ deriving citizenship, under the conditions set by Congress.
Applicants for naturalization take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.
ONE NATION, ONE PEOPLE: THE USCIS CIVICS TEST TEXTBOOK
⚫ submit an application for naturalization with fees;
⚫ meet the residence and presence in the U.S. requirements; ⚫ be a person of good moral character and show attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution;
⚫ be able to read, write, speak and understand English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics);
⚫ complete the naturalization test and interview process; and ⚫ attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance