For immigrants looking to secure their future in the U.S., applying for citizenship is an important step in the process. U.S. citizenship isn’t just a legal status—for many people, it also symbolizes new possibilities and a better life.

Understanding who’s eligible for citizenship and what you need to apply is essential to ensure success. However, these processes can be complicated to navigate, especially because they involve filing a lot of crucial documentation.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the basics of citizenship, the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that come with it, and popular methods for becoming a U.S. citizen.

How Do You Get U.S. Citizenship?

U.S. citizenship is a status granted to individuals that gives them certain rights, privileges, and protections under the country’s constitutional laws. With citizenship status, you are able to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and petition for family members to come to the country.

Some people fall into a category called “citizenship by birth”, which makes them automatically eligible for citizenship. This includes:

• Children born within the United States or its territories, except those born to foreign diplomats, are citizens by virtue of their place of birth.
• Children born to U.S. citizens—whether in the United States or abroad—are considered natural-born citizens.

Other people may become eligible for citizenship through naturalization. Applying for this process involves undergoing certain legal processes to obtain citizenship.

Foreign nationals who want to apply for U.S. citizenship must do so through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Upon successfully completing this process, a foreign national becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States along with any of their children under the age of 18.

Immigrants who obtain permanent resident status through participation in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program are also eligible to apply for citizenship. They can do this five years after they were granted their initial conditional permanent resident status.

To be eligible for citizenship through naturalization, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a lawful permanent resident or Green Card holder
• Meet residency requirements, such as having lived in the U.S. continuously for at least five years
• Be a person of good moral character without any significant criminal records
• Be able to speak and write basic English
• Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which an applicant obtains citizenship according to the requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). To be eligible for naturalization, a foreign national must meet one of the following criteria:

• Has held permanent resident status for at least five years
• Has held permanent resident status for at least three years and is applying for naturalization as the spouse of a U.S. citizen
• Has served in the U.S. Armed Forces

If you are eligible, you are required to submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to USCIS. In this application, you must prove that you meet one of the eligibility requirements and demonstrate that you possess good moral character by disclosing any criminal history.

Depending on the USCIS location, processing times for N-400 applications generally range from four to six months. After USCIS has processed an applicant’s Form N-400, they will be interviewed and must pass the U.S. civics and English language tests.

Afterward, you will be given a ceremony date where you will take the Oath of Allegiance. Through this oath, a prospective citizen swears:

• Allegiance to the United States
• To support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the nation’s laws
• To serve the country when necessary

Rights and Privileges of U.S. Citizenship

Once you have obtained citizenship, you gain various rights and privileges. Let’s take a closer look at what those are.

Immune from deportation

With U.S. citizenship, you cannot be deported to your former country, even if you are charged with a crime. You’ll have just as much right as any other American to settle in the United States.

Voting rights

U.S. citizens have the right to vote in any local, state, and federal elections, allowing them to have a say in the leadership of their community. Naturalized citizens can also run for federal or public office and for most other political positions.

Citizenship extends to unmarried children and immediate family members

If you obtain U.S. citizenship, your children and immediate family members are also eligible. This is particularly helpful for applicants who want to bring family members to the U.S., because the process will be slightly easier. You might also be able to petition for married adult children to obtain citizenship.

Travel with a U.S. passport

A United States passport is one of the most powerful in the world and you can obtain one when you become a citizen. This allows you to travel to more than 180 destinations for short-term trips without a visa.

As a U.S. citizen, you can take as many trips abroad without risking not meeting specific immigration visa requirements. You can also access U.S. government assistance from the local embassy during times of trouble while abroad.

Access to federal government jobs

Most federal jobs at government agencies are reserved for U.S. citizens. Government jobs come with federal benefits and earnings, which are often better than those earned by private-sector workers.

Access to the U.S. education system

Citizens enjoy access to top-tier higher education and may be eligible for in-state tuition and federal college assistance when applying to public institutions. This means that you’ll have access to higher education at a more affordable rate.

Responsibilities of a United States Citizen

Along with the rights and privileges granted by U.S. citizenship, citizens accept a number of responsibilities:

• You may be required to renounce your former citizenship in other countries, depending on your home country’s regulations around dual citizenship.
• Citizens are required to pay all applicable income taxes at the federal, state, and local levels. These income tax returns must be filed for life, no matter where you live.
• Citizens are afforded the right to vote and run for elected office, but this is also a civic responsibility. All citizens are encouraged to vote and participate in the political process and any federal election.
• Citizens may be summoned to serve as jurors, as jury duty in a legal proceeding is a mandatory responsibility. If summoned, you must attend, even though you may not be chosen to serve.
• All male citizens from ages 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service System. Registration does not necessarily mean that you will have to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, but it does make you eligible to be drafted.

Why Is an EB-5 Visa Program a Great Option for Obtaining Citizenship?

The EB-5 visa program offers a unique pathway to obtaining U.S. citizenship for eligible foreign investors and their immediate family members. One of the primary advantages of the EB-5 program is that it does not require sponsorship from an employer, educator, or U.S. family member.

This makes it an attractive option for individuals who want to become lawful permanent residents and, eventually, citizens of the United States. Under EB-5, investors also have more freedom to build their future in the U.S. through owning a business and managing various projects.

Additionally, the program allows investors to contribute to the U.S. economy through job creation by investing in new commercial enterprises (NCEs) or regional centers. Successful applicants can enjoy various other benefits in addition to living, working, and studying in the United States—even before applying for citizenship.

The program also allows investors to accelerate the immigration process, leading to permanent residency and eventual citizenship within a shorter timeframe than that of other immigration options.

Summary of the EB-5 process and program requirements

When applying for an EB-5 visa, there are a few requirements you must meet. These include:

• Making a qualifying investment of at least $800,000 in an eligible EB-5 project
• Ensuring that this investment creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
• Demonstrating that your investment funds were lawfully obtained
• Providing supporting documentation and filing various petitions and forms throughout the duration of the program

Secure Your Future in the U.S. with EB5AN

Obtaining U.S. citizenship gives you access to the opportunity to live in one of the most powerful countries in the world. You’ll also get a number of exciting government benefits that extend to your other family members.

One of the most popular ways to secure U.S. citizenship is through the EB-5 program, but this process can be challenging for individuals to navigate while ensuring they meet all its specific requirements.

That’s why EB5AN is here to help. EB5AN has over a decade of EB-5 experience, successfully guiding more than 2000 families from over 40 countries through the project development and investment program.

With a nationwide network of USCIS-approved regional centers that covers more than 30 states and territories and a 100% petition approval rate, EB5AN is well-equipped to streamline your EB-5 visa investment process.

For more information on how our experienced team can help you obtain permanent residency through the EB-5 program, contact EB5AN today.