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 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 USCISDHS and Department of Justice Announce Move to Revoke U.S. Citizenship from 10 Naturalized Criminals Including Child Molesters, Scammers, and Drug Dealers
- Published USCISUSCIS and DOJ Take Steps to Denaturalize 12 Individuals for Concealing Terrorist Support, War Crimes, Espionage, Sexual Abuse, and More
- Published USCISJustice Department Moves to Strip U.S. Citizenship from 17 Naturalized Sex Offenders, Fraudsters, Drug Dealers, and More
All updates · newest first
Full update feed
Every update from this category in chronological order, excluding items already shown above.
- USCIS Plays Key Role in Denaturalization Process to Begin for Former Mayor of the City of North MiamiUSCISNeu
- Two Pakistanis in New Jersey Indicted for Fraudulent Voting in a Federal Election and Lying on Citizenship ApplicationsUSCISNeg
- Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Free Training for Civics and Citizenship Teachers of Adults; Civics and Citizenship ToolkitFed. RegisterNeu
- Former Connecticut Resident Pleads Guilty to Lying to Obtain U.S. Citizenship After Committing War Crimes in BosniaUSCISNeg
- USCIS Enhances Voter Verification SystemsUSCISNeu
- USCIS Updates Guidance on Military NaturalizationUSCISNeg
- USCIS Unveils First Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship StandardsUSCISNeu
- On Constitution Day, President Trump Urges Naturalized Citizens to Honor and Respect American Law and TraditionsUSCISPos
- Child Molester in North Carolina Indicted and Arrested for Naturalization FraudUSCISNeu
- USCIS Supports Investigation Leading to Guilty Plea and Mandatory Denaturalization of Committed Sex OffenderUSCISNeu