• U.S. citizens can vote, serve on juries, hold political office, and qualify for government jobs. U.S. citizens travel freely (whereas green card holders may lose their residency if they spend long periods of time abroad).
• U.S. citizens cannot be deported.
• U.S. citizens may petition for their parents, married sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters to become permanent residents in the United States. Also, their close relatives may immigrate more quickly.
• U.S. citizens may be subject to lower estate taxes.
• U.S. citizens who retire abroad receive full social security benefits (whereas permanent residents receive only 50 percent).

• In some cases, individuals may lose their native nationality and overseas property rights or titles of nobility.
• When reviewing the applications for naturalization, USCIS may discover past fraud, criminal convictions or other reasons to begin deportation proceedings.
• Having made a false claim to citizenship, such as voting in a governmental election, can result in deportation.
  

A person more than 18 years old who has been a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) is eligible to apply for citizenship. In addition, the individual must have been a resident of the state where applying for at least three months. Applications may be filed three months before the eligibility date.

Residence in the U.S. need not be continuous. However, residents must not have any continuous absences for longer than one year. In most cases, residents must demonstrate that they were physically present in the U.S. for at least 50% of the five-year (or three-year) eligibility period immediately before applying for naturalization. Absences of more than six months may be a problem.

Most applicants must be able to speak, read, and write basic English, as well as demonstrate basic knowledge of U.S. history and government. People who are more than 50 years old and who have been a permanent resident for 20 years or more, or who are over 55 and have been a permanent resident for 15 years, may take the examination in whatever language they choose. All other applicants must read, write, and speak basic English. People with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairment may apply for a waiver of the test requirements.

The test questions cover basic U.S. history and civics, such as naming the first president, explaining the different branches of government, and other similar questions. USCIS uses a list of 100 questions and answers, which Lawler & Lawler can provide. The exam consists of 10 questions from this list. Usually reading the 100 questions and answers a few times is sufficient study for the exam. The 100 questions and answers and an online booklet about U.S. government and history are available at the USCIS website.

• Residents must demonstrate good moral character for the five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) prior to applying for citizenship. Many criminal convictions are seen as evidence of a lack of good moral character.
• Men who lived in the U.S. as permanent residents when they were 18 to 26 years old should have registered for the draft.
• Employed permanent residents should have filed U.S. income tax returns each year.

Q: If I have received public benefits, can I still naturalize?
A: Yes, but USCIS will study your case closely. Receiving public benefits is not a bar unless there was fraud or the person received them while overseas. This area can be complex and should be reviewed by counsel in detail.

Q: Can association memberships cause problems?
A: Possibly. Membership in the Communist party, Nazi party, or other groups opposed to the U.S. government can be a basis for naturalization denial. Since 9/11, USCIS is also looking for people who may have contributed to terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, and to charitable organizations that support such groups.

Q: Can I change my name?
A: Yes. USCIS may issue your Certificate of Naturalization under a new name if: 1) if you present proof that you have already legally changed your name, or 2) you will take the Oath of Allegiance at a Naturalization Ceremony held in Court and the Court grants your name change request.

Q: How long does it take to naturalize?
A: The processing times vary from city to city.

Q: Is a lawyer required for naturalization?
A: Some USCIS examiners view their job as one to locate people who should be deported. There are new strict laws which mandate deportation for relatively minor crimes. There is also a law that provides that deportation may result from making a nonmaterial misrepresentation on a naturalization application. While many can apply by themselves, it is wise to be represented by an immigration lawyer.