Notes

People living legally in the United States who are not U.S. citizens could have a visa or permanent resident status. They must carry proof of their status at all times. A U.S. national is a person under the legal protection of the United States but without citizenship.

This applies to those born in certain U.S. territories like American Samoa and Swains Island. U.S. nationals can live and work in the United States but, at present, may not vote in state or federal elections: They still have to go through the full naturalization process if they wish to become U.S. citizens. However, federal laws now grant full citizenship to people born in the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Permanent resident status, formerly called resident alien, could take months or years to obtain. This status gives the holder permission to live and work in the United States. The U.S. permanent residency card is the official document proving this permission. People often call it a "green card" because of the green ink used in the card's design. A permanent resident must always carry the green card and pay income taxes to the U.S. government.

The basic requirements to obtain naturalization are the following:

be at least 18 years old
be a legal, permanent U.S. resident for at least five years (or three years if married to someone who has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years)
have good moral character (no serious criminal record in the United States or home country)
can read, write, and speak basic English, proven through a written exam
can answer questions about U.S. government and history
willing to swear the Oath of Allegiance


Application
Must be at least 18 years old, have been a legal, permanent resident for minimum period, and pay a fee
Fingerprints
Must give fingerprints and pay for the service
Interview
Answer questions about personal background and application, as well as questions on U.S. history and government in English
Oath of Loyalty
Swear an oath to give up loyalty to other nations and governments, support and defend the U.S. Constitution and laws, and serve the military or national government if required by law

The benefits of legal citizenship include voting, eligibility for government jobs and elected positions, and greater eligibility for public benefits such as health care assistance. Legal citizens also have priority in obtaining permission to bring family members to the United States and establishing their children as U.S. citizens. They may travel with a U.S. passport and have protection from deportation. Legal U.S. citizens, whether born or naturalized, also have certain duties such as serving on juries, paying income taxes, and serving the military, if called to it.

Note that the debate over related government laws centers not on those who have become legal citizens, but rather illegal immigrants. Government immigration laws and enforcement of them are controversial topics for many reasons. An estimated 11.2 million illegal immigrants were in the United States as of early 2011