Naturalization Process

• Applicants for naturalization must be at least 18 years old and must have been a permanent resident for five years. Permanent residents are defined as legal aliens with a "Green Card." Candidates for citizenship must also have lived in the same location for three months prior to requesting a naturalization application. Guidelines further require the applicant be able to speak, read and write in English and demonstrate knowledge of United States history.
  
  

Spousal Rights

• A spouse of a United States citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of living in America while holding a valid "Green Card." Spouses of military members of citizens living abroad for work may qualify for citizenship without time spent in the country as a permanent resident.
  
  

Dual Citizenship

• The Immigration and Nationality Act remains neutral on the subject of dual citizenship. Citizenship candidates must take an oath to renounce all prior allegiances during the acceptance ceremony. The United States Department of State rules allow a person the right to claim nationality in two separate countries and be subject to the rules and responsibilities of both entities.