Your Companion on the Path to U.s. Citizenship

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

Your Companion on the Path to U.S. Citizenship

This book will guide you through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship through what's called "naturalization," and explain U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) procedures and rules. We'll help you determine whether you're eligible, fill out the right forms, prepare for the latest versions of the exams, present yourself at your citizenship interview, and enjoy your new rights as a U.S. citizen.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Not everyone who wants to become a U.S. citizen will qualify. To save you some time and heartache, let's make sure you're on the right track:

Are you already a U.S. citizen? It's possible that you acquired citizenship automatically through your parents or, in rare cases, your grandparents if they were born or naturalized U.S. citizens. This could have occurred even though you were born outside the United States. In order to determine this, you'll need to do some research. Start with Nolo's online, free articles at www.nolo.com. Look for the article entitled "U.S. Citizenship by Birth or Through Parents." If, after reading this information, you have unanswered questions, consult a lawyer.

• Do you have a green card? If you don't have a green card (lawful permanent residence), you can't apply for citizenship. It doesn't matter if you've just married a U.S. citizen, won the visa lottery, or invested $1 million in the U.S. economy. Before applying for U.S. citizenship, you must first apply to become, and spend time as, a "lawful permanent resident"

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