Becoming a US Citizen

The knowledge of civics and citizenship laws that is required in becoming a US citizen is pretty complex. As mentioned above, the United States Congress is the governing body that controls the issues regarding United States citizenship. The empowerment that is made by the United States constitution is seen in the Article 1, Section 8 and finally Clause 4. In the recent years, these laws were modified and the Immigration and Naturalization Act that was passed, laid down the specifications that were required in becoming a US citizen. In the year 2001, some specifications were redefined, restructured and rewritten as a part of the fourteenth amendment of the United States Constitution. The Acts and Laws that have been passed by the legal system of the United States, categorically state the different manners or rather ways of becoming a US citizen.

Citizenship by Birth
This type of citizenship that is granted by birth is very unique and is found in the legal systems of only a few nations, one among them being the United States of America.

The basic law about this kind of citizenship is that any person who is born on the soil of the United States is its citizen, with all the laws of the land applicable to that person as also the rights and duties of a US citizen. The famous case that took place, United States v. Wong Kim Ark is a very interesting case law that deals with citizenship of the United States of America. The Supreme Court, in this case held that any person, born in the territory of United States of America; to the parents who were, at the time of birth, subjects and citizens of some other foreign power; whose parents have a permanent domicile and were residents of the United States at the time of birth and whose parents were running a business and were not in the employment of diplomatic service at the time of birth, is entitled to become a citizen of the United States. Citizenship by birth is also applicable to children born in foreign countries, whose parents are citizens of the United States.

Becoming a US Citizen - Process of Naturalization
Naturalization is a provision through with the foreign nationals residing in the United States of America, can start the process of becoming a US citizen. The laws and rights that are followed for this process are different and also very stringent. The application for citizenship thoroughly reviewed and strictly interpreted. The rules for application of this kind of citizenship differ from case to case. The applicant has to fulfill the conditions that have been put down. For example: the citizen should have been a resident of the United States for a specified period of time with a legal permit, Visa and working permits. Sometimes, the naturalized citizenship is also granted to foreign nationals who marry US citizens.

A long procedure of conformation and reviews follows and the applicant has to wait for quite some time before he becomes a US citizen. In the process of becoming a US citizen, the applicant is also required to give personal interviews and written tests.

One must note that the laws and the statutory provisions regarding citizenship are always subject to amendments. One must approach the embassy of one's motherland before applying for a citizenship. Becoming a US citizen is not very difficult, if one fulfills all the conditions. I hope, I have given a satisfactory answer to your query 'how to become a US citizen'. Best of luck for your endeavor to become one.