Many CIS residents dream of becoming citizens of the United States of America. Therefore, the answer to the question of how to obtain US citizenship is very urgent. Indeed, US citizens have some advantages, even compared with permanent residents of the United States who do not have such citizenship. Firstly, this is participation in elections - only citizens of a country can participate in elections to government bodies and be elected. Secondly, to be able to be a jury. Thirdly, travel with a US citizen passport and be sure that, if necessary, you can count on the help and assistance of the US government abroad (through embassies and representative offices of this country in other states).
A US citizen has the advantage of being able to apply for family members to enter the United States permanently. Acceptance for certain positions also requires American citizenship. Tax requirements may vary between US citizens and permanent residents. Some allowances, scholarships and grants are issued only to US citizens. And finally, obtaining US citizenship ensures that you are not expelled, deported, or extradited under any circumstances.
There is a group of individuals who automatically acquire US citizenship. These may be legitimate children of an American citizen born abroad. If these are children who were born outside a registered marriage, an American citizen must acknowledge his paternity and take custody of the child. Until the child is 18 years old, the American parent must also register the fact of his birth at the US Consulate. In fact, any child born in the United States obtains citizenship by the very fact of birth on the territory of this country of this country, even if both of his parents were illegally in it. However, this does not affect the fate of the parents - they do not receive either citizenship or a residence permit.
For all other categories of people there is a brochure, “Guide to Naturalization,” published by the country's migration service, which clearly and in detail describes how to obtain US citizenship. This document clearly spells out the entire process of naturalization, that is, obtaining citizenship, as well as the conditions when this procedure can be initiated. Let's look at these conditions. First of all, this is residence in the United States for at least 5 years (or 3 years for those who are married or living together with an American citizen). It is also necessary to prove that during these five or three years a person was continuously (at least 18 months for married and 30 months for all others) physically in the country
Before obtaining US citizenship, a foreigner over 18 must fill out a special form called M-476. The naturalization procedure begins with it. Prior to filing this application, you must continuously reside in the county or state for at least 3 months. Next, fill out Form M-480, a sample of which can be found in the already mentioned “Naturalization Guide” to determine if you have any right to citizenship. For example, if you have a serious criminal record or you have been a communist (official member of the party) for a long time, then your request will be rejected. A declaration of willingness to accept US citizenship is Form N-400. It must be filled out and the fee paid. In this form, you must provide direct evidence of your continued residence in the United States in a particular county for the time required by law. Further, proof of your high moral consciousness is required - that you have not committed serious crimes (even in the distant past and not in the United States). By the way, before obtaining US citizenship, everything must be done to renounce the citizenship of the country where you lived before - there is no principle of dual citizenship in the USA. Next, the question of values follows - you will have to prove that you understand and share the principles set forth in the US Constitution and pass the English proficiency test.
There are other, special rules on how to obtain US citizenship. A completely different naturalization procedure operates, for example, in relation to people who fought for the interests of the United States, served in the army of this country, or so did their close relatives; privileges are also enjoyed by those who have received permanent residence under the Amnesty Act of 1986; has refugee status or political asylum in the United States; Persons married to an American citizen who does not live in the United States, as well as employees of certain nonprofit organizations or companies.