Young people who are native of different countries in the world aspire to acquire higher education, work and settle in the US. This nation attracts a lot of people providing freedom of speech and security to its citizens. The employer arranges for the US work permit and green card for the aspirant. As a green card holder, he gets the status of legal permanent resident in the US. There are many advantages in being a citizen than a green card holder. Citizens have the right to vote for representatives in the government. He or she is eligible to hold a position in the public office.
Before applying for the US citizenship, he has to know certain rules and regulations that are stipulated by the USCIS. The applicant should be more than 18 years of age. He/she should prove a good moral conduct by abiding the US laws while in US and his/her past records should be free from criminal activity. English being the official language in US, the applicant must be fluent in speaking, writing and reading in English. The applicant must strictly believe in the principles in the US constitution. He/she should have complete knowledge in US history and the government. The applicant shouldn't have a primary home in any other country. He/she should be loyal to the nation. He should be a green card holder for at least five years. He should show proof of his physical presence in the nation for the last two and half years. He should be continually present for the last three months in the area where he is applying for US citizenship.
The aspirant should fill in the US citizenship application form which is available at the USCIS office in his current place of residence. This process is called the N400 Naturalization. With the application form, the candidate must attach a photocopy of both sides of his green card. In case he loses his green card, he should furnish the photo copy of the Form I-90 receipt. He should make ready his two identical color photographs with his name and "A-number" written on the back lightly with a pencil. His facial features should be seen clearly, not glared by his wearing eye glasses or shining material. He should submit with the application, the application fees of $675 by check or money order.
He should attend the written test on the US history and the government. After passing the test, he should attend an interview by the USCIS officer and submit his finger prints for records. At the interview, the officer tests his fluency in English and his knowledge regarding US history and the government. On being successful, he has to attend the swearing-in-ceremony. He is given the certificate of N400 Naturalization by the USCIS officer. Now by becoming the US citizen, he gets the status of petitioning for having his nearest family member to stay with him in the nation. If the applicant is found using foul methods to acquire his green card, his N-400 application is withdrawn and he will be sent out of the country.
