Overview
Naturalization and birthright citizenship
U.S. citizenship is acquired by birth (on U.S. soil or through a citizen parent) or through naturalization. Naturalization typically requires 3 to 5 years as a permanent resident, continuous physical presence, and passing civics and English tests.
Most green card holders become eligible to naturalize after 5 years of continuous permanent residence (3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen). You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half that period and demonstrate good moral character.
The naturalization process involves an N-400 application, biometrics appointment, and an interview with a USCIS officer where you take an English and civics test (100 questions, 10 asked, 6 correct required). You then attend an oath ceremony.
Children born on U.S. soil generally acquire citizenship automatically (14th Amendment). Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may acquire citizenship at birth under INA § 301 or § 309 depending on the parent's prior residency history.
Visa types in this category
High-signal items · last 90 days
What to watch
Ranked by impact: rule changes, fee updates, open comment periods, executive actions, and processing shifts. Not just newest: most consequential.
- Published Fed. RegisterOpen for commentsAgency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Public comments accepted through .
- Published Fed. RegisterOpen for commentsAgency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application To Preserve Residence for Naturalization
Public comments accepted through .
- Published Fed. RegisterOpen for commentsAgency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Naturalization
Public comments accepted through .
- Published Fed. RegisterOpen for commentsAgency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings Under Section 336
Public comments accepted through .
- Published DHSExecutive actionDHS and Department of Justice Announce Move to Revoke U.S. Citizenship from 10 Naturalized Criminals Including Child Molesters, Scammers, and Drug Dealers
- Published USCISProposed ruleCourt issues Stay: Permits participation of Non-Governmental Organizations at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies
- Published USCISJustice Department Files Record 25 Denaturalization Cases Against Naturalized Criminals Including Attempted Murderers, Spousal Abusers, and Child Sex Offenders
- Published USCISDHS and Department of Justice Announce Move to Revoke U.S. Citizenship from 10 Naturalized Criminals Including Child Molesters, Scammers, and Drug Dealers
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Every update from this category in chronological order, excluding items already shown above.
- Naturalized U.S. Citizen Indicted for Lying to Obtain U.S. Citizenship After Committing FeloniesUSCISNeg
- Denaturalization Case Filed Against Man Who Procured U.S. Citizenship Under False IdentityUSCISNeu