What does it take to become an American citizen?

To apply for American citizenship, you must meet the following main conditions before you can get permission. Details are as follows:

1. You must live in the United States continuously for five years after obtaining permanent residency. Within five years, you can't leave the United States for more than six months in a row. If it is more than half a year, you must provide proof that you have no intention of giving up your right of abode in the United States.

2. A foreign citizen who marries an American citizen must remain married for three consecutive years (the party who marries an American citizen must remain married for three consecutive years after obtaining permanent residency).

3. Applicants for naturalization must be at least 18 years old. Foreigners under the age of 16 who have the right of permanent residence in the United States and whose parents have acquired American citizenship can automatically acquire American citizenship with their parents.

You must have basic English reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. Must have a certain understanding of American history, constitution and immigration law.

You must behave well during your five years in America. According to the relevant laws of the United States, adultery, prostitution, bigamy, or failure to perform maintenance obligations, as well as alcoholism and drug abuse, are all bad behaviors and cannot be naturalized.

6. Applicants for citizenship must give up their original nationality. If they still want to keep their original nationality, they may not become American citizens. The United States recognizes the existence of dual citizenship in the United States, but does not encourage dual citizenship.

The nationality policy of the United States adopts the doctrine of birthplace. Foreign citizens can apply to become American citizens, and American citizens can acquire another nationality through marriage, but it does not mean that they will definitely lose their original nationality.

If an American citizen voluntarily applies for and acquires a foreign nationality, he may lose his American nationality. According to the law, a person must apply for foreign nationality voluntarily, with the aim of giving up American nationality before losing it.

American citizens can go through the formalities of renouncing American citizenship at American embassies and consulates abroad. The existence of dual nationality will restrict the protection of overseas citizens in the United States. American citizens, including dual citizens, must use American passports to enter and leave the United States.

China Consular Service Network-Visa Entry

Baidu Encyclopedia-American Nationality