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1 [1] (September 16, 2025)

handle is hein.crs/jdtdjr0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Service Inforrning the legislative debate since 1914 S Updated September 16, 2025 Naturalization: Policy Overview and Selected Trends Naturalization is the voluntary process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen. In 2024, approximately 26 million naturalized U.S. citizens were residing in the United States, representing about 51% of the total foreign-born population. U.S. citizenship affords certain rights, benefits, and eligibility; including eligibility for a U.S. passport, the right to vote and run for elected office, eligibility for certain civil service and law enforcement jobs, and protection from deportation. In addition, under the Immigration and Nationality Act's (INA's) family-based immigration system, U.S. citizens may sponsor a broader range of family members to immigrate than lawful permanent residents (LPRs). LPRs are foreign nationals authorized to live permanently in the United States. Unlike the relatives of LPRs, the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses and unmarried minor children, and parents of adult U.S. citizens) are not subject to numerical limits. Requirements for naturalization are enumerated in the INA. Generally, in order to naturalize, a foreign national must be an LPR, meet certain U.S. residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate English language ability and knowledge of U.S. history and civics, have good moral character, and show attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Individuals must be at least 18 to naturalize; children derive citizenship through their parents. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency, adjudicates naturalization applications. Eligibility Requirements U.S. Residence and Physical Presence Generally, an LPR becomes eligible to naturalize after five years of continuous U.S. residence. During at least half that time (30 months), the individual must have been physically present in the United States. LPRs who have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years may naturalize after three years of U.S. residence and 18 months of physical presence. The INA contains special provisions for the naturalization of noncitizen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Those who apply while in service or within six months of discharge are exempt from residence and physical presence requirements. Those who serve during designated periods of military hostilities may naturalize without having first been an LPR. Good Moral Character Naturalization applicants must demonstrate that they have been persons of good moral character (GMC). GMC is determined on a case-by-case basis by USCIS based on the totality of the circumstances, considering factors such as community involvement, employment history, and absence or presence of criminal history. The INA and Code of Federal Regulations contain certain bars to establishing GMC (e.g., conviction of certain crimes). In August 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum directing USCIS officers to account for an alien's positive attributes and not simply the absence of misconduct for GMC determinations. Officers are to place a greater emphasis on positive attributes or contributions, such as community involvement/contributions, family caregiving/ties, education, employment, length of residence, and compliance with tax obligations. The guidance advises greater scrutiny of disqualifying behavior and action, including bars to GMC and other acts (e.g., habitual traffic infractions). USCIS is to also consider evidence of genuine rehabilitation of wrongdoing, such as payment of overdue child support or taxes. English and Civics Knowledge Naturalization applicants must demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak English and take a civics exam that demonstrates understanding of U.S. history and government. Individuals aged 50 and older with qualifying U.S. residence may be eligible for modifications to these requirements. In addition, individuals who are unable to comply with these requirements because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment are exempt. Process Individuals apply to naturalize by filing an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with USCIS with required fees (currently $760 for paper filing or $710 for online filing). Reduced fees and fee waivers are available to certain applicants. Those qualifying based on military service do not pay a fee. Next, applicants undergo biometric screening, during which USCIS collects an applicant's fingerprints, photograph, and signature. In a departure from USCIS policy since 1991, in August 2025, USCIS announced it would exercise its statutory authority to conduct personal investigations of naturalization applicants, known as neighborhood investigations, for which it may request testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, co-workers, and business associates. Applicants must complete an interview with a USCIS officer in which they answer questions about their application and background and complete their civics and English tests. Those who pass their interviews and exams ittps://Crsreports.congress.gt