What are the requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen?

In the United States, becoming a citizen can be a lengthy process. In California, the basic requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen are that you must: 1. Be at least 18 years of age. 2. Hold a valid green card (also referred to as a permanent resident card) for at least 5 years, unless you are married to a U.S. citizen, in which case the period is reduced to 3 years. 3. Have been physically present in the U.S. for half of the 5 or 3-year period before application. 4. Have established a continuous residence in the U.S. for at least half of the 5 or 3-year period before application. 5. Meet certain moral character requirements. 6. Demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak English. 7. Demonstrate basic knowledge of U.S. history and civics. 8. Have a favorable disposition towards the United States and the Constitution. 9. Pay a naturalization filing fee and an application fee. If you meet these requirements, then you can apply to become a U.S. citizen by filing Form N-400 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After you apply, USCIS will hold an interview to determine whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements. If you pass the interview, then you may be asked to take a citizenship test. If you pass the test, you will be scheduled for a swearing-in ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen.

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Los requisitos generales para adquirir la ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos de América son bastante simples. Primero, usted debe residir legalmente en Estados Unidos con una tarjeta verde, visa de trabajo u otros permisos legales. En segundo lugar, debe aprobar un examen de inglés y conocimientos generales acerca de la historia de los Estados Unidos. El examen se compone de una prueba de lenguaje, lectura y escritura, así como preguntas sobre civismo y gobierno. En tercer lugar, debe asistir a una entrevista personal con un funcionario de inmigración. Durante la entrevista, el funcionario evaluará su fluidez en el inglés, sus conocimientos y sus motivos para solicitar la ciudadanía. Por último, deberá notificar al funcionario que ha tomado la decisión de convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos. Una vez que tome esta decisión, debe completar y presentar una solicitud para la ciudadanía. Para aquellos que viven en California, los procedimientos para adquirir la ciudadanía son los mismos que para el resto del país. Los estatutos de inmigración no varían de un estado a otro. Sin embargo, puede buscar información adicional sobre la ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos en el sitio Web de la Oficina de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE. UU.

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