Proof of Lawful, Unbroken Continuous Residence
A Permanent Resident will be asked to show proof of Lawful Permanent Residence before they will be allowed to apply for citizenship. The I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card, more commonly known as the "Green Card" will suffice as proof of legal admittance into the United States as a legal immigrant.
Applicants must also prove that they have maintained continuous residence in the United States for 5 years or more without any absences longer than one year. Breaking continuous residence will mean they are not eligible to apply for citizenship until they have built up 5 years of residence.
Able to prove good moral character
USCIS
(United States Immigration and Naturalization Service) will look into whether the applicant can prove "good moral character" within the last five years before they are accepted for naturalization. Immigrants who are permanently barred from applying for US citizenship include those who have been involved in prostitution, polygamists, people who refuse to pay child support for their minor children, or have lied under oath in order to receive an immigration benefit in the past.
All applicants applying for naturalization must inform USCIS of their whole criminal history, even if the crimes they committed were from many years ago and they consider them "spent".
The most important thing to remember is that if you have never been convicted of a crime and have not been involved in any illegal activity, you will not have to worry about being refused citizenship. But if you have got a criminal record, you are under a legal obligation to reveal everything about your criminal past.
Must Demonstrate an Ability to Speak, Read and Write in English
Permanent Residents must be able to read, write and speak English. Some people are exempt from this and these would people who have resided in the United States legally for 15 years or more and are over 55 years old, resided for over 20 years and are over 50 or are not able to learn English due to a physical or mental condition. One of the tests that immigration officials carry out is a language test, which is why most applicants are required to be conversant in the English language.
Knowledge of US Government and History
An immigrant who wishes to become a naturalized US citizen will need to prove that they understand certain principles about the history and government of the United States. Applicants who have a disability at the time of filing their application are exempt from taking this test if their disability prevents them from learning about US government and history.
Applicants who have been legally residing in the United States for 20 years or more and over 65 years of age will also be given special attention when it comes to passing this test. Sample questions are: who was the first president of the United States? Who nominates judges to the Supreme Court? Who elects Congress?
Pledge of Allegiance or Equivalent
A Permanent Resident who wishes to become a US citizen will be asked to pledge allegiance to the United States. This involves swearing to support the American Constitution and obeying the laws of the United States, renouncing foreign allegiance and agreeing to bear arms if required to do so. Not all applicants will be able to pledge allegiance and agree to do these three things due to religious convictions. If that is the case, the applicants can ask to take an equivalent oath that does not harm their conscience in any way.
Permanent Residents must be well prepared before they choose to apply for naturalization. They will need to thoroughly prepare for the language and history tests and they must be honest in their application. If they are careful to do these three things, then they are more likely to be approved for naturalization.
